Flip it around: the only really interesting problems to work on are the ones where you don't know if there is a solution. Minimise work on problems with an obv

Flip it around: the only really interesting problems to work on are the ones where you don't know if there is a solution. Minimise work on problems with an obvious solution and identify working on the ones that are more mysterious as the most valuable work there is to do. Make a habit of extracting the most from the process, even if it didn't end up in a solution. For example: writing down (and sharing with others) what was learned. Psychologically, you need enough repeated positive reinforcement, where you work on a problem, end up not solving it, extract the most learning, get recognition from yourself and from others that it was worth the effort. After enough itterations it starts feeling better.