Learn to spot small problems before they become big problems.
In a previous episode, I wrote about the importance of spotting small issues before they become big issues (the why). In this episode, I’m going to discuss where we can start (the how).
Be Vigilant for the Signs of Problems
Most of us tend to tackle problems only when we happen to notice them. The difficulty with this approach is that it is easily to miss something in its early stages, and only discover it when it becomes a major issue. Rather than leaving things to chance, it makes sense to actively look for warning signs and address any issues before they get bigger.
Pick Your Battles
Of course, you don’t want to waste time and effort obsessively checking and re-checking every area of your life, but if you prioritise the most important areas of your life, you can save yourself a whole lot of trouble down the line.
Areas on which you might want to focus include:
- Your spiritual health
- Your physical health
- Your relationships
- The tools of your trade
- Your finances
- Your home
- Your car
Establish Norms
Unless you know what “normal” looks like, it may be difficult to spot a problem developing. Make it easy to spot potential issues by making a note of the way things should be.
Some suggestions on how to do this:
- Establish rules. e.g. nothing on the sofa except cushions (or your backside).
- Set standards. e.g. minimum funds in your bank account.
- Take photos.
- Take measurements. e.g. your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, waist line.
- Make notes.
Develop Monitoring Routines
The most effective way to detect and deal with small problems is to develop routines that will help you spot them and deal with them.
Monitor Your Physical Health
- Go for regular check-ups with your:
- Optician
- Dentist
- Doctor
- Listen to your body
Monitor Your Spiritual Health
- Think about whether your lifestyle aligns with your values
- Listen to your conscience
Monitor Your Car’s Condition
- Have your car MOT’d and serviced annually
Monitor Your Home’s Condition
- Go outside and look at the condition of your roof, gutters etc.
Monitor Your Financial Health
- Check your bank balance
Undertake Preventative Maintenance
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way to preventing small problems becoming big ones.
Maintain Your Spiritual Health
- Take time to pray and meditate daily
Maintain Your Car’s Condition
- Have your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation
Maintain Your Home’s Condition
- Have your central heating boiler serviced annually
Tackle Problems Quickly
Clearly, it is best to deal with problems when you first notice them, and sometimes you can deal with them as soon as you see them.But let’s be honest: it isn’t always possible. In that case, you need to:
- make a note of the issues
- prioritise them
- decide how you will deal with them
- decide when you will deal with them
If issues have grown to any size, you may not be able to take them on all at once, but rather to take steps to reduce the problem until it is eliminated.
You might decide to:
Tackle Relationship Debt
Keep “short accounts” with people:
- Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged
- Forgive those who have wronged you
Tackle Organizational Debt
- Repair broken things
- Clean dirty things
- Tidy up messy things
Tackle Financial Debt
- Pay off debts as quickly as possible
Conclusion
You don’t have to let big problems creep up on you. Small actions can prevent big problems. By keeping your eyes open, spotting problems early and doing something about them quickly you can often avert crisis and prevent disaster.
Acknowledgements
- Original image U.S. National Archives and Records Administration [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commins; modified for use on this site.
