Are small problems holding you back from accomplishing big things? 

Can I make a confession? Hopefully this is a safe, judgement-free zone. 

For far too long I’ve needed to replace a bolt on one of the running boards on my truck. It’s currently being held in place with a zip tie. 

I noticed a lose bolt while I was dashing out to work one morning. Not having a ton of time right then, the zip tie was supposed to be a temporary fix, but I put off fixing it for a couple weeks. 

Then the weather turned cold as fall turned to winter. I had even less desire to take care of the bolt in the cold. The zip tie was holding rather well so I left it. There were a few times when I told myself I needed to fix it, but I never made it a priority. 

I would LOVE to tell you this story took place last fall…but that zip tie has been on my truck for about 18 months! 😬 

I’ve fixed several problems on my truck during that time—things that were real problems. But because this didn’t affect my ability to drive the truck and wasn’t a safety concern, I let it slide. 

Do you have a zip tie problem in your life? Something you know needs to be fixed but doesn’t rise to the level of a “real problem?”  

Maybe it’s a process you use regularly but never quite dialed in. 

Maybe you need to organize the garage or your office so finding things is more efficient 

Or maybe it’s a relationship that isn’t broken but could use some extra attention.  

These overdue “zip tie problems” begin to weigh on our mind and can hold us back from accomplishing great things. They can fester and turn into ammunition we use against ourselves in moments of doubt.  

“How could you accomplish that goal? You can’t even replace a bolt on your running board!” 

Close the loop on these problems and have one less thing nagging at you. Then use that mental energy to focus on something that does matter.  

Here are three simple steps for taking care of these types of problems. 

1. Make a conscious decision that this task won’t escape your attention any longer 
2. Pick a day and time you’re going to complete the task 
3. Follow through 

There’s a little rain in the forecast but I’m tackling this bolt issue today. It won’t be a negative voice in my head anymore.