Unsolved vs Uncompleted problems

Few things cause me stress in the sense that it invades my free time and I think about it obsessively. However, I have noticed this happens when I meet problems I do not know how to solve (yet). Examples being difficult school or life related problems. They are the worst kind for my wellbeing. However, they often have something positive hiding within them in terms of teaching.

On the other hand, there are lesser problems I know how to solve but I have simply not done them. Examples being easy work or life related problems. Anything from paying taxes to doing that math homework. They do not cause anxiety in any similar way — a much lessened state of stress, almost nothing. That is what makes them insidious — for me at least.

The first type (unsolved problems) I have to tackle because they so obviously affect my wellbeing negatively. I think about them when going to sleep, when I’m doing things I should enjoy in the moment etc. So I solve them, or realize I can’t solve them and move on by asking for help or trying something else. Either way, I move on and deal with them.

The second type (uncompleted problems) I can leave for much longer. They’re just sort of there on the backlog but do not affect me negatively cause in my mind I have already dealt with them — I know what to do. Often I prefer doing enjoyable things over doing these uncompleted problems. However, they are sort of like adding small weights on top of a spring. You can add on a lot but slowly and surely the spring will tighten up and explode in your face. Especially if you don’t move on and complete the problems now and them.

To sum up, both undone and unsolved problems are rough to have on your mind — but for different reasons. Which one is easier for you?