When dealing with a problem, it’s helpful to list clearly what’s within your control and what’s outside of your control in regards to its resolution.
Then, with everything that’s within your control, an excellent second step is to do your part and, as Ryan Holiday would say, start the timer on doing those things.
It’s likely that after you do your part, there’s going to be another part that’s outside of your control, that’ll take time to unfold, which is exactly the timer being referred to.
Today, for example, I’m having an issue with my phone bill.
I’m getting charged for a phone that was supposed to be covered by a promo.
What’s outside of my control? Fixing the bill myself.
What’s inside my control? Talking to a representative who can fix my bill.
The longer I wait to do my part and act on what’s within my control, the more the problem will linger and agitate my mind. I also know that getting problems like these resolved can be royal pains in the butt:
“Please hold while we transfer you 5x to the proper representative.” “What was your order ID? What was the location ID? Did you take a picture of that promo?” “We can’t help you with that problem here, you need to go to this other store.”
…And procrastinating is a highly tempting option.
But, if we want the problem resolved, we need to start the timer. And looking at problem resolution this way can help. The longer we wait to act on what’s within our control, the more our problems will compound. Keep it focused. Get the ball out of your court. Start the timer.