Focusing on problems and opportunities

Jun 03, 2019

“It’s a balancing act. Deal with problems – big ones – urgent ones. But don’t forget to invest in your future.”

If you truly understand the psyche of many of those of us who work as consultants, you’ll agree with this statement: Consultants are geared to be problem solvers, so we tend to focus our energies on problems.

Focusing on problems doesn’t make you a negative person. Some people genuinely enjoy solving problems. It can be very gratifying. That’s why people play certain games on their phones. That’s why people build puzzles. That’s why people like doing projects. Solving problems gives you a reason for your existence.

But the real question is this: Does a heavy focus on fixing problems get in the way of maximizing your opportunities? It takes a fine balance. Some business problems, if ignored, can result in financial ruin. They HAVE to be dealt with. Yet never having any time to focus on the good things – the things you do well or do best – will surely result in you falling short of your potential. Not to mention that too many problems to solve can stress you out.

It’s a balancing act. Deal with problems – big ones – urgent ones. But don’t forget to invest in your future by spending time doing more of what you do well and figuring out how to capitalize on opportunities. This is what real entrepreneurs go through every day. “Do I spend time on my problems? Or do I focus on opportunities?” You have to do both of these things!

Mark Zweig is Zweig Group’s chairman and founder. Contact him at mzweig@zweiggroup.com.

About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, three times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the industry leader and premiere authority in AEC firm management and marketing, the go-to source for data and research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a complicated and challenging marketplace through services that include: Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Executive Search, Board of Director Services, Ownership Transition, Marketing & Branding, and Business Development Training. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas.