How To Maximize Everything That You Do

An addicted problem solver has one problem that's likely wrecking their results... and it's within their control.


In business, we often pride ourselves on being problem solvers. But not everything is a problem to be solved—some challenges are actually tensions that must be managed.

🔹 Problems have solutions.
🔹 Tensions require balance.

Trying to “solve” a tension as if it were a problem can lead to frustration, wasted effort, and unintended consequences. Imagine trying to “fix” the need for both growth and stability—eliminating one completely would cripple your business.

3 Ways to Know If You’re Dealing with a Problem or a Tension

1️⃣ Can It Be Permanently Solved?

✅ Problem (Business): A supplier isn’t delivering—switching to a new one solves it.
🔄 Tension (Business): Speed vs. accuracy—focusing on one too much hurts the other.

💡 Personal Example: Health & fitness. You want to be healthy and fit, but you never seem to find the willpower to consistently eat the right foods 🥩 or "solve" the tension between leaving your desk and getting in the workouts. This tension it’s an ongoing balance that may never be solved with a simple fix.

If the issue has a clear fix, it’s a problem. If it requires constant balancing, it’s a tension.

2️⃣ Are There Two Necessary but Competing Forces?

✅ Problem (Business): A piece of equipment is broken—it needs repair or replacement.
🔄 Tension (Business): Cost control vs. employee benefits—you can’t maximize both at the same time.

💡 Personal Example: Family time vs. business growth. You want to spend more time with your kids, but your business demands attention. Prioritizing one over the other isn’t a permanent fix—it’s a tension that requires constant recalibration.

If eliminating one side creates another issue, it’s a tension.

3️⃣ Will It Keep Coming Back Even If You ‘Solve’ It?

✅ Problem (Business): Your internet is down—once fixed, it’s no longer an issue.
🔄 Tension (Business): Work-life balance—there’s no permanent solution, only continuous adjustments.

💡 Personal Example: Hobbies vs. career ambition. You want to pursue personal passions, but your role as a leader demands time. Ignoring hobbies might burn you out, but going all-in on them could slow business progress. It’s a tension, not a problem.

If it keeps resurfacing, it’s likely a tension that needs ongoing management.

Why This Matters for Leaders

📌 Problems require decisive action.
📌 Tensions require adaptive leadership.

Misidentifying the two can waste time, hurt morale, and lead to poor decision-making. Knowing the difference helps leaders focus energy where it matters most.

For more insights on how to navigate organizational tensions hit up google and read some of the top articles for "Managing Paradox"

💬 What are some tensions you’ve had to manage in your business or personal life? Drop your thoughts in the comments!