In his long career, James had learned to think about situations by searching for the best possible solution. However, in doing so he also had gotten used to doing so by securing it against possible problems.

It started with a pragmatic approach of addressing problems when they occurred and creating solutions when they were asked for.

From adjusting to a given situation it became a habit to adapt to it. He had become used to taking it for granted that external changes needed to be addressed as problems he had to solve.

The more he did so, the less he was able to keep in mind what his service was for.

Over the years, he forgot to take hold of the situation by reviewing what it is they wanted to create. It would have allowed seeing if solving the next problem was useful or not.

While solving problems always has value, it may only be of short time value while providing one’s service.

On the other hand, looking at the service from the end, that is, from what it is supposed to do and what it is for, mainly serves the long-term value of the service.

Somewhere in between is the ability to remember what the service is for and have set priorities easing the decision process when problems show up.