Q: Does this problem need more attention or less?
A: Depends if its a leaky ceiling or a muddy puddle.
This pearl of wisdom comes straight from one of my favorite authors James Clear:
I split problems into two groups: muddy puddles and leaky ceilings.
Some problems are like muddy puddles. The way to clear a muddy puddle is to leave it alone. The more you mess with it, the muddier it becomes. Many of the problems I dream up when I’m overthinking or worrying or ruminating fall into this category. Is life really falling apart or am I just in a sour mood? Is this as hard as I’m making it or do I just need to go workout? Drink some water. Go for a walk. Get some sleep. Go do something else and give the puddle time to turn clear.
Other problems are like a leaky ceiling. Ignore a small leak and it will always widen. Relationship tension that goes unaddressed. Overspending that becomes a habit. One missed workout drifting into months of inactivity. Some problems multiply when left unattended. You need to intervene now.
-James Clear, 3-2-1 Thursday
Actionable Question: Are you dealing with a leak or a puddle?
Have a great week,
Andrew Nemeth