We made it past January! Gosh that felt like there were 56 days in the month….
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on a concept that’s been shaping how I think about challenges: puzzles vs. problems. In business, there are always obstacles to overcome—that’s the whole reason many of us started our ventures in the first place. We saw a problem that needed solving and built a business around it. But sometimes, we can lose clarity on what’s urgent and what’s merely important, which leads to unnecessary stress and poor decision-making.
Let me break down how I see the difference between puzzles and problems using my video production business as an example.
Puzzles:
These are strategic or operational challenges that take time to figure out. They’re important for long-term growth but don’t need an immediate solution.
For me, puzzles include:
- Optimizing workflows and internal systems
- Improving how we serve clients
- Supporting my team’s development and performance
- Balancing sales growth with project fulfillment
These are crucial for scaling and maintaining a video production company, but rushing to solve them often leads to bad decisions. I’ve learned that sometimes, forcing solutions to puzzles can backfire. It’s about letting these challenges evolve over time. I will be honest normally I take these kinds of actions much slower- attempting to get it closer to that 80% mark than if I had just done it closer to 40%. That’s a me thing, see that as you will.
Problems:
Problems are immediate fires that demand urgent action. These are situations where a delay can have serious consequences.
Here are a few real-life examples from my business:
- A client doesn’t pay or delays payment
- A large check goes missing (looking at you, USPS!)
- Travel logistics fall apart for a shoot
- A critical SD card gets corrupted after a full day of filming
These situations require quick, decisive solutions to prevent further damage. Problems can’t wait—they test your ability to stay calm and resourceful under pressure.
However sometimes there could be long term problems. Lack of lead flow, deals not closing, productions having issues, team members not performing, my own motivation dropping faster than…well you get the point. These are things that have to be handled as well.
The Trap of Turning Puzzles into Problems
Here’s where I’ve gotten myself into trouble: I tend to treat puzzles like problems. I’ll get worked up over things that don’t require an immediate fix. Then, when a real problem hits, I’m already mentally drained from stressing over puzzles. It’s like a mental snowball that leaves me feeling overwhelmed and strained.
My Goal for 2025
This year, I’m focusing on managing challenges more effectively by first asking myself one simple question: Is this a puzzle or a problem?
If it’s a puzzle, I’ll give myself permission to take a step back, think strategically, and let the solution emerge over time (one foot in front of the other pacing). If it’s a problem, I’ll act swiftly to resolve it without letting other worries pile on.
It’s a simple mindset shift, but I think it’ll have a huge impact on my mental well-being and business success. Hope this resonates with you in some way, shape or form!
