The Giant Potato does not disappear without action (See “Giant Potato” blog entry posted one week ago). Right or wrong, it is better to act than to remain idle, frozen in a state of inertia. In fact, the potato will continue to grow. Inaction only allows it to grow larger and larger. No job, disorder, flat tire, a mouse in the kitchen, a dirty refrigerator, an empty refrigerator, a cough, a ripped pair of pants, the potato grows bigger and bigger with each problem and it hangs heavier over my head.
Today, I will make a list. I will write down all the problems I can think of that have come together to create this massive potato over my head. Then I will take the easiest problem on my list, the one I can solve with a phone call, or a letter, or 15 minutes of effort. I will do it now, then take the next one on my list. I know I will immediately begin feeling a since of relief and the depression, the hopelessness will ease.
Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all.
Norman Vincent Peale
