One of my favorite proverbs is: “A stitch in time saves nine.” It means that it’s best to take the initiative and solve a problem when it’s small rather than putting it off until it has grown larger. It literally refers to mending, as in stitching up a small tear now to save a larger repair later. Sewing is one of my hobbies, and I’m no stranger to mending, so I enjoy how literal the aphorism is.
It’s good advice on both the literal and the metaphorical levels. It’s better to tackle a minor issue instead of procrastinating yourself into a significant problem. Sure, you can ignore that “oil level is low” warning on your car’s dashboard, but you may find yourself with total engine failure if you let it go too long! Most examples aren’t quite that extreme, but some obstacles are best tackled before they have a chance to grow.
Challenge:
This week, I challenge you to tackle a small, nagging issue that could later turn into a considerable hassle. Make an important phone call you’ve been avoiding, gather up your tax forms long before filing an extension is necessary, or move that rug you constantly trip over. If you can identify several tasks that will save trouble later, go ahead and tackle them or schedule them soon. Try to develop a “take care of it now” mindset -- your future self will thank you!
Note: This is going out late because I needed some extra rest on Sunday. I do try to follow my own advice!