The pragmatic approach is to address a problem with a simple solution. There is no reason to overcomplicate things.

However, when the problem reappears, it is worth asking oneself what the simple solution addressed.

It’s the moment one can ask oneself if the visible problem is a symptom or not. Or, if there is an unaddressed underlying issue.

Once both become visible, different solutions can be developed and choices made. It is clear that it is not always possible to address the underlying issue. And sometimes the underlying issue is only accessible once symptoms have been addressed.

If no underlying issue becomes visible, the first solution might simply not have been good enough.

Reflecting on underlying issues prevents stepping into a loop of repeatedly doing the same thing.