Solving problems

My wife recently described my writing process like this:
You approach writing like you approach life, as a problem solver. You create complex and elaborate problems for your characters, and then, after you’ve gotten them into trouble, you find ways to solve their problems. I think this is why you enjoy writing so much. You like to solve problems. In real life and in your fiction.

I’ve never thought of writing in this way, but I think she’s right. This is why outlining a novel seems so bizarre to me. The process must be organic. If I already knew the solutions to the problems that my characters will face, where would the fun be?