The “Good Problems” Mindset: How to Turn Everyday Annoyances Into Your Strongest Gratitude Practice

Practice gratitude

When we think of gratitude, our minds often jump to the obvious—health, loved ones, a comfortable home, moments of joy. But what if the path to deeper, more transformative gratitude isn’t paved only with life’s best moments, but also with its mild irritations?

This is the idea behind “good problems”—a concept gaining traction on TikTok and beyond. At first glance, it might sound contradictory: how can a problem be good? But once you understand the psychology behind it, the “good problems” approach becomes a powerful lens for seeing your life more fully.

What Exactly Is a “Good Problem”?

A “good problem” is any inconvenience, frustration, or challenge that, when viewed in context, reflects an underlying positive reality.

• Stuck in traffic? It might mean you own a car, have somewhere important to be, or live in a busy, thriving city.

• Stressed about deadlines? It may be a sign that you’re in demand and trusted with responsibility.

• Annoyed by grocery store lines? You have access to fresh food and the means to purchase it.

The idea isn’t to dismiss genuine struggles, but to find gratitude in life’s smaller irritations by reframing them as signs of abundance, growth, or opportunity.

The TikTok Spark That Made “Good Problems” Go Viral

TikTok creator @victoriatheromantic recently shared a short video describing how she reframes her challenges by identifying the hidden “good” in them.

In her example, realizing a dream job wasn’t as fulfilling as expected wasn’t a pure loss—it was a chance to pivot, explore, and redefine her goals. Even small annoyances, like a coffee order not being perfect, became reminders that she could afford a coffee shop visit in the first place.

This refreshing twist on gratitude resonated with thousands because it bridges two truths:

1. Life has daily irritations.

2. Those irritations often point to deeper privileges, opportunities, or blessings.

Why This Works: The Psychology of Reframing

The concept is grounded in cognitive reframing—a therapeutic technique that helps people change their perspective on situations to reduce stress and increase resilience.

According to Ciara Bogdanovic, LMFT, founder of Sagebrush Psychotherapy, “It’s about allowing two realities to coexist: ‘This is uncomfortable’ and ‘I’m grateful for what this represents.’”

This dual awareness is important because it doesn’t ask you to deny frustration—it asks you to acknowledge it, then widen your lens.

Attitude of Gratitude

The Science Behind It

Multiple studies show that gratitude practices improve mood, lower stress, and even boost physical health. But the “good problems” approach takes it further by targeting everyday annoyances, which are often overlooked in traditional gratitude journaling.

Research highlights:

• Gratitude rewires your brain – MRI studies have found that practicing gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex, an area linked to learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

• Positive reframing lowers cortisol – People trained to reinterpret mild stressors show lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol after just a few weeks.

• Daily micro-moments matter – University of California studies have found that small, frequent gratitude moments (like reframing “good problems”) create a stronger cumulative effect than occasional big bursts of gratitude.

Examples of “Good Problems” in Real Life

Let’s put this into perspective with concrete, relatable examples.

1. You’re Overwhelmed by Emails

• Annoyance: Inbox full, constant pings.

• Reframe: People want to connect, collaborate, or offer opportunities.

2. Your Kids Left Toys Everywhere

• Annoyance: The house is messy—again.

• Reframe: You have children, they’re healthy, and they feel comfortable enough to play freely.

3. You’re Exhausted From Traveling

• Annoyance: Jet lag, unpacking, fatigue.

• Reframe: You’ve experienced a new place, built memories, and had the resources to go.

4. Your Groceries Were More Expensive Than Planned

• Annoyance: Higher bill than expected.

• Reframe: You can choose fresh food and invest in your health.

5. Your Commute Is Long

• Annoyance: More time on the road.

• Reframe: You have a stable job to travel to.

How to Practice Gratitude for “Good Problems” (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a practical way to start making this shift—without falling into toxic positivity.

Step 1: Identify the Irritation

Don’t skip this. Acknowledge what’s bothering you—traffic, noise, a delay. This validates your feelings.

Step 2: Pause Before Reacting

A few deep breaths or a mental “zoom out” helps you avoid reacting automatically.

Step 3: Find the Underlying Good

Ask yourself: What does this annoyance mean about my life, my opportunities, or my relationships?

Step 4: Phrase It as Gratitude

Example: “I’m frustrated my sink is full—but I’m grateful I have food and dishes to eat it on.”

Step 5: Write It Down

Even one sentence in a journal can solidify the mindset shift.

Journal Prompts for Spotting “Good Problems”

• What inconveniences did I face today, and what do they reveal about my life?

• Which challenges would my past self have been thrilled to have?

• Which frustrations are linked to something I once wished for?

• How can I remind myself of the positive side in the moment?

Common Misunderstandings About This Practice

Myth 1: You’re Supposed to Ignore Real Struggles

Reality: This practice is for mild, non-harmful challenges. Serious hardships require support, not reframing.

Myth 2: It’s Just “Positive Vibes Only”

Reality: It acknowledges frustration and seeks meaning—both are valid.

Myth 3: It Makes You Complacent

Reality: Gratitude doesn’t mean you stop striving—it just means you approach life with more balance.

Why This Is Perfect for Busy, Modern Life

In a fast-paced world, we’re surrounded by micro-irritations: buffering videos, low batteries, noisy neighbors. By reframing them, you turn dozens of small annoyances each week into dozens of gratitude opportunities—without adding anything extra to your to-do list.

Seven Days of “Good Problems” Challenges

Try this one-week experiment to see how your perspective changes.

Day 1 – Monday

• Problem: Spilled coffee on your shirt.

• Reframe: You have coffee to spill, and a wardrobe to change into.

Day 2 – Tuesday

• Problem: Late train.

• Reframe: Time to read, listen to music, or people-watch.

Day 3 – Wednesday

• Problem: Overflowing laundry basket.

• Reframe: You have clothes and a home to store them.

Day 4 – Thursday

• Problem: Your child wakes you up early.

• Reframe: They’re healthy and want your attention.

Day 5 – Friday

• Problem: Crowded supermarket.

• Reframe: Popular stores mean fresh inventory and choice.

Day 6 – Saturday

• Problem: Long wait at a restaurant.

• Reframe: It’s busy because the food is worth it.

Day 7 – Sunday

• Problem: Dishes from a big meal.

• Reframe: You shared food and connection with others.

Advanced Practice: Linking “Good Problems” to Goals

Once you’ve practiced basic reframing, you can link each good problem to a personal goal. For example:

• A challenging work project → You’re gaining skills for your career path.

• A sore body after exercise → You’re moving closer to health and strength goals.

This transforms annoyance into motivation.

Tips to Keep the Practice Sustainable

1. Set Reminders – A phone alert with the words “Good Problem?” can prompt you to pause.

2. Share with Others – Telling a friend your daily “good problem” creates accountability and spreads the mindset.

3. Pair with Other Habits – Attach reframing to something you already do daily, like brushing your teeth or your commute.

4. Start Small – One “good problem” a day is plenty at first.

Long-Term Benefits You Might Notice

• Less Reactivity – You respond instead of snapping in frustration.

• Increased Patience – You’re more comfortable with life’s delays and detours.

• Stronger Relationships – You appreciate the people around you, even when they cause minor annoyances.

• Greater Life Satisfaction – You notice blessings that once went unacknowledged.

Closing Thoughts

Gratitude isn’t just about sunsets, promotions, or big wins.

It’s also about the coffee spill, the traffic jam, the laundry pile—all the little, everyday “good problems” that quietly signal your life is full, active, and connected.

By training yourself to see the good hidden in the mildly bad, you turn every day into a richer, more meaningful experience. And that’s a problem worth having.