From Problem-Focused to Outcome-Focused: The Energy Shift That Changes Everything

Nurses are natural problem solvers.

We see a need, we fix it. Someone’s struggling, we step in. A process breaks, we patch it.

And every time we do, we get that small surge of satisfaction — a hit of dopamine — that tells us, “You did good.”
But here’s the hidden cost: when our focus is always on problems, our energy stays trapped in the lower levels — catabolic energy, specifically Levels 1 and 2 in the iPEC Energy Leadership framework.

The Trap of Problem-Focused Energy

At Level 1, the energy of victimhood, we start to think:

“Why am I always the one fixing everyone else’s problems?”
“Why are there so many issues in the first place?”

That mindset breeds exhaustion and resentment. We feel powerless, even though we’re constantly doing.

At Level 2, the energy of conflict, it sounds more like:

“I can’t believe no one else is stepping up.”
“I fix one thing, and another problem just appears!”

The frustration builds because we’ve trained ourselves to look for problems. And when you look for them — you’ll always find them. It’s endless.

Even compassion, which is usually a higher energy, can become entangled here. We see someone struggling and think we’re being kind by jumping in — but often, we’re rescuing, not helping.
A TikToker once said, “Pity is the enemy of compassion.”

That struck me. Because true compassion allows others to grow stronger by facing their own challenges. Pity keeps us stuck — and keeps them stuck too.

The Power of Outcome-Focused Energy

Now imagine shifting from problem solving to outcome creating.

Instead of asking,

“What’s wrong here?”

we start asking,

“What do I want to create?”

That question instantly lifts our energy to Level 5 — the energy of opportunity and solution.
This is the energy of collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
It’s where leaders live.

I once worked with a nurse who was known for fixing broken systems. She was great at it — but constantly burned out.
Then one day, she stopped asking, “What needs fixing?” and started asking, “What can I build that makes this better for everyone?”
That subtle shift changed everything. She created a new process that improved efficiency and morale. She was recognized — not just for solving problems, but for creating value.

The Energy Choice

You can live your whole career reacting to problems.
Or you can rise above them by creating outcomes.

• One keeps you trapped in catabolic energy — drained, frustrated, and unseen.
• The other expands your energy — empowered, creative, and recognized.

So, next time you feel pulled to jump in and “fix it,” pause and ask:

“Am I being problem-focused or outcome-focused?”

That single question can transform not only how you lead but how you feel — every day.

Your Turn

What energy do you resonate with most right now — problem-focused or outcome-focused?

If you’re ready to shift your energy and lead from a place of confidence, creativity, and calm, the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment and Debrief will help you see exactly where your energy is going — and how to raise it.

You’ll leave with a personalized plan to increase your anabolic energy so you can lead with clarity, purpose, and ease.

👉 Take the Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Debrief with me today — and start creating outcomes that light you up.