I Have 3 Problems (and a roof leak is one)
September 26, 2007 | by brett | Permalink
This is what you would call an exploratory, therapeutic post. It aims to analyze problems, and how I deal with them. By the time I write the last sentence, I hope to have analyzed whether it is best to address with them in a preventive approach, or as I have been doing, in a reactive manner.
Take a few problems that I have right now, all in different stages, all of different varieties, but nonetheless, problems.
Problem 1. My tenant called yesterday to tell me that my roof is leaking. I have had this roof fixed approximately nine times, each by the same company under a warranty. The last time I had it fixed was last year, when again, it was leaking. Now we are in reactive mode, and undoubtedly will be paying a pretty penny while waiting in a long line to resolve the problem.
Problem 2. The rear tire on the right hand side of the RV has a couple of rubber cracks that embody the 11,000 miles we have trekked on one set of treads. The cracks compliment a missing chunk near the center of the tire, which alarmed Zach enough to tell me I should consider getting it replaced.
Problem 3. My girlfriend is flying into Atlanta on Thursday evening. I haven’t seen her in two months. My hair is at a point where I could opt for the $12 haircut at Supercuts, or I could pull off the middle of the road look that prescribes a trim in two weeks.
Three different problems. Three different stages. Three different echelons.
I have indisputably dealt with problems in the past with a reactive mindset (please see Sleeping in an Auto Body Shop in Hastings, New York). The reason? Oh, I don’t know, how about because I’m optimistic about the problem not actually occurring? Or because I hate forking over money for something that hasn’t happened yet.
“The best time to fix a roof is when the sun is shining.”
Sure it is. Just like preventative maintenance on your car is a smart thing to do because it cost a helluva lot more to buy the thing in the first place.
I guess the root of my problem in dealing with problems is money, especially without an abundant, plentiful, worry free income stream. And having time to fix the problem. So how are problems avoided?
How about finding a balance between prevention and reactive? Oh yeah, the balance thing. Balance is impossible, and anyone that tells you different is a liar.
Maybe I could take a page from Barry Moltz’s book and say that sometimes, failure just sucks and there is nothing to learn from it. Maybe problems just suck and you have to roll up the sleeves.
Money and time are the two issues you have to evaluate. How much would buying a new tire cost me now, and how much will it cost me if it goes flat between Virginia Beach and Duke University today? What will my girlfriend think of my hair longer, or shorter? Should I buy a new roof (chaaaaaa-ching!) or patch the hole?
Problems just suck. They bite the procrastinators in the ass, and take advantage of planners like a NFL team in the prevent defense during the third quarter.
So the conclusion is that it’s a matter of evaluation.
Time and money. Risk versus reward. Prevention or reaction.
Ahhhh (deep sigh). Time to deal.
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THERE ARE 5 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Kelly G Says:
September 26th, 2007
Definitely need the new tire!! The roof, possibly patched since monsoon season may be over (?), and you know T.K. will think you are adorable no matter what state (Georgia) your hair is in!
Taneika Says:
September 26th, 2007
Yea, don’t worry about a hair cut, there are bigger issues to take care of! Remember, I’ve seen it longer than it is now i’m sure! See PTP tomorrow!!!!
Eric Says:
September 26th, 2007
Brett,
Patch the roof until you no longer can do so. It is like a used car, you patch them too until it no longer makes sense financially - then you bite the bullet and buy another used car (with its own set of challenges).
Have someone look at the tire and give you options. It may not need to be replaced. Maybe it needs a patch as well. Don’t spend the big bucks until you have to.
Optimistically hoping problems do not occur isn’t all that bad. Problems are sometimes avoided if you time your reaction.
Your hair is the least of your concerns.
I disagree that failure sometimes sucks and there is nothing you can learn from it. I have never experienced failure that did not spawn something new and better. Sometimes you have to dig deep and look hard to find it.
You landed at the right place, dealing with the problems trying your best to balance proactive versus reactive.
Keep your chin up.
Steve Says:
September 26th, 2007
Okay, I think I get the biggest vote on this one… patch the friggen roof and let’s put the rental on the market!!!
On a more serious note, I think that failure has taught me MUCH more in my life than success…by far - not even a close comparison.
DWeb Says:
September 27th, 2007
get a haircut you hippie.
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