Podcast Outline: The Puzzle Problem

Intro (1-2 minutes):

"Today, I’m going to talk about something I call 'The Puzzle Problem.' As entrepreneurs, many of us start out solving a giant puzzle when building our business. Every solution feels like we’re fitting a piece into place. We thrive on that challenge. But what happens when the puzzle is solved? For many of you, especially around the $100k NOB mark, you find that the machine just runs without you. You’re not as needed anymore, and that sense of purpose starts to fade. This creates boredom, and that boredom can be dangerous."

Problem Breakdown (2-3 minutes):

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• Breaking the puzzle:
• "When boredom sets in, some business owners start breaking the puzzle. They overcomplicate things, micromanage, or create problems just so they have something to fix."
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• Starting a new puzzle:
• "Others try to solve a new puzzle. They might open a business in an unrelated field, like a coffee shop, simply to chase that feeling of solving something again."
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• The stress factor:
• "Here’s where the science comes in: during stressful times, our amygdala actually grows. Once the stress is removed, that oversized amygdala pushes you to find new sources of stress. You might hyperfocus on small problems, lose sleep over details, or even start conflicts in your personal life. You’re not addicted to adrenaline—you’re addicted to fear and stress."
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Solutions: Overcoming the Puzzle Problem (4-5 minutes)

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3. Redefine the Puzzle:
4. "You’ve solved one version of your business, but there are always new puzzles to tackle. Optimize operations, improve client experience, or scale your business. See these as new challenges."
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8. Find Purpose in Mentorship:
9. "Become a guide for others. Mentor your team or other business owners. Mastery at this stage is about helping others solve their own puzzles."
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13. Create Growth Challenges:
14. "Challenge yourself in areas that push you but don’t overcomplicate your business. Launch a new initiative or innovate within your niche."
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18. Audit and Outsource Stressful Habits:
19. "Identify where you’re creating unnecessary stress. Delegate tasks and hold yourself accountable to stop micromanaging. Recognize when you’re sticking your fingers into the machine out of boredom."
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23. Invest in Personal Mastery or Passion Projects:
24. "Channel your drive into meaningful personal projects—whether it’s art, exploration, or another goal that excites and challenges you. Growth outside your business helps prevent destructive habits."
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Closing (1-2 minutes):

"The Puzzle Problem is something many entrepreneurs face after reaching a major milestone. Boredom and stress-seeking behaviors can lead to sabotaging your success. But by reframing the puzzle, mentoring others, and investing in new challenges or passions, you can stay fulfilled without breaking the machine you worked so hard to build.

Take some time today to reflect: Are you solving the right puzzle, or are you creating problems to fix? Let me know in the Tinker group discussion. Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you next week!"