A problem is something that makes us stop and work on it for a while, no matter what the problem is. When we encounter a problem, we need to find a solution to eliminate the problem.
An obstacle on the other hand is a bit different. An obstacle is something that is in the way as we travel to a destination. Sometimes we can see the obstacle coming, and sometimes it just appears or we run into it out of the blue. We get frustrated by it because the obstacle has the potential to impede or slow our progress to our destination.
That's why I prefer obstacles to problems. I have a math background, which means I love problems because I love solving things. When you have a problem, the focus is on the problem itself. When you have an obstacle, the focus is on the goal or the destination and how the obstacle is impeding our way. It's a subtle difference, but it's an important one.
Read it all here.
