A Shifting the Burden structure is composed of two balancing loops and a reinforcing loop. It is a very annoying structure because the two balancing loops act as a single reinforcing loop migrating the situation in the same direction as the reinforcing loop. Both structures end up moving the system in a direction other than the one desired.

In the above diagram a Problem Symptom is perceived with multiple possible courses of action. One course of action, the Symptomatic Solution has an apparent time frame advantage over the Fundamental Solution because of other associated delay. As a result the Problem Symptom influences the application of the Symptomatic Solution. Application of the Symptomatic Solution reduces the Problem Symptom which dissolves the perceived necessity of pursuing the Fundamental Solution. A failure to implement the Fundamental Solution ensures that the Problem Symptom will return.

As if this wasn't annoying enough, implementation of the Symptomatic Solution often influences the development of unintended Side Effects, which are usually some sort of dependency. This Side Effect further dissolves the perception that there is a need to pursue the Fundamental Solution. The interactions between the Problem Symptom, Symptomatic Solution, Side Effect, and Fundamental Solution for a viscous reinforcing loop which make the problem even more difficult to resolve.