QUOTE OF THE DAY
“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.
Are you dealing with a leak or a puddle?”
-Adam Grant, Author of Atomic Habits
IDEA OF THE DAY
Isn’t it interesting- that when we frame our problems as leaks or puddles, we have a different way of approaching the situation? So often when we have a problem at hand, we just generalize it as a problem or “THE” problem. We don’t take the time to assess our challenges on a deeper level to understand if it’s a muddy puddle or a leaky ceiling.
Occasionally, we have a blend of both kinds of problems. Yet rather than focus on the leaky ceiling, we become addicted to jumping into the muddy puddle. It may be messy and murky, but it sure is less daunting than an ever-growing leak.
Learning to step back from the muddy puddles may be a hard ask- they can be such an addicting distraction! Yet, as we’ve learned, the puddles can handle themselves and over time, they will settle so you can gain clarity on what to do next. Focusing on the leaks is a better use of your time and energy. It may be daunting, but it is doable.
Just like an actual leak in the ceiling, the same steps apply to our inner life. Start small; gather your bucket and your towels to stop the leak from spreading. From there, reach out to trusted resources for advice, input, and useful information. Once you feel confident with the knowledge you have, make your decision to either learn the steps on how to do it on your own or have someone help you with the fix. And once your ceiling is free and clear from leaks…go out and jump in some puddles to celebrate!
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What’s a muddy puddle problem you can let be for now?