I feel like "tension" has negative connotations. Maybe it's just me. I like "friction" better in this context.

There are so many opportunities for improvement, I'm never bored. My aim is to leave this place better than I found it. Even tiny improvements compound over time.

It's a callout to the concept of "dramatic tension". See also all the talk of stories, movies, etc.

https://fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-creative-writing/... is as good a source as any.

To me, friction is more negative. It's always there and it only serves to slow things down (by definition!) Tension can be released, and in fact creates anticipation for the release.