Staff Writer 
MARK Manson, in his book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F****, argues that happiness isn’t the absence of problems, but rather the act of solving them. “Happiness comes from solving problems,” he writes.
“The secret sauce is in the solving of the problems, not in not having problems in the first place.” This seemingly simple statement holds profound implications, particularly when applied to the context of a challenging economic environment like Zimbabwe’s.
“Ngoma ndiyo ndiyo,” is a common Shona expression, loosely translates to “the drum is still beating the same rhythm”. It often signifies a sense of stagnation, a feeling that things remain unchanged, often negatively. Many Zimbabweans likely entered the new year with this sentiment, anticipating little economic improvement. This pervasive feeling of “same old, same old” can easily lead to despondency. However, Manson’s philosophy offers a counter-narrative: perhaps the key to happiness isn’t waiting for the drumbeat to change, but finding joy in navigating its persistent rhythm.
Manson emphasises that happiness is an action, not a passive state. It’s not something bestowed upon us, nor is it found in some magical formula. It’s not even contingent on achieving a specific material goal, like building an extension to a house. Instead, happiness is “constant work-in-progress,” mirroring the continuous nature of problem-solving. Today’s solutions pave the way for tomorrow’s challenges, creating an ongoing cycle. The true essence of happiness, then, lies in finding problems we enjoy having and solving.
In the Zimbabwean context, this translates to finding meaning and purpose within the existing economic realities. The nation has faced numerous economic hurdles for years, from hyperinflation and currency instability to unemployment and limited access to basic resources. These are undeniable challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by their sheer scale. However, Manson’s philosophy suggests that focusing solely on the magnitude of these problems can be counterproductive. Instead, the focus should shift to the act of actively engaging with them.
For a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, this might mean finding innovative ways to operate a business amidst currency fluctuations, sourcing local materials, or developing products that cater to specific community needs. For a young graduate struggling to find formal employment, it could mean developing new skills, starting a small side hustle, or contributing to community initiatives.
These are not easy solutions, but they embody the principle of actively engaging with problems. They represent the “constant work-in-progress” that Manson describes.
By focusing on the act of problem-solving, individuals can find a sense of agency and purpose, even within a challenging economic landscape. This doesn’t mean ignoring the systemic issues or accepting them passively. Rather, it suggests that finding happiness and meaning lies in taking action, however small, within the existing context.
“Ngoma ndiyo ndiyo” might describe the unchanging rhythm of the economic drumbeat, but it doesn’t dictate how we dance to it. We can choose to passively endure the rhythm, or we can actively engage with it, finding our own steps and creating our own music. By embracing the challenge of problem-solving, by finding problems we enjoy tackling, we can find a sense of fulfillment and happiness, even amidst economic hardship. In essence, we can find happiness not in waiting for the drumbeat to change, but in finding joy in the dance itself. However, outside of all these coping mechanisms, the plea remains the same to our monetary and fiscal authorities that when economic agents run out of dance moves a little change in the rhythm of the drum will help to make things easier.
