CategoriesActionFinancialObserveProgressThink About ItTime

Trying To Make Things Better, Can Make Them Worse

Whether it’s welfare, tractors in Africa, lower lending standards, or government covid policies, when people with good intentions get involved, the long run outcome can be worse.

Of course the immediate benefit is observable and often desirable. Unfortunately, the second and third order implications can be less beneficial, or even damaging or disastrous. (Though rarely for the people that initiated the policy).

Many of the world’s modern issues are derived from well intentioned people getting in the way and trying to control outcomes. Most often, people would be better served if there was less human intervention and they let the natural course of events take place. There is balance in the universe. Sometimes we should respect that and be patient.

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CategoriesObserveThink About It

What Is Fun?

Think of things that are fun. Are they the same things you found fun 10 years ago? Are they free or expensive? Can you do them alone or need others to go with you?

Fun can be different from adventure. Adventure isn’t always fun.

Make a list of fun things you would like to do this year. Then set about doing them!

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CategoriesActionGratitudeObserveProgressReframe your thoughtsThink About ItTime

When Do You Quit?

My son asked me tonight, when is it time to quit something? This could be school, a job, a relationship, a bad habit or a sport, club or activity.

It’s a tough question with no perfect answer. Each case will depend on the people and factors involved.

Steve Jobs made a good point that if you aren’t enjoying something for a long time or too many days in a row, it’s probably time to mix things up or at least assess what is going on.

I use this benchmark: Am I prepared to say this is as good as it gets in this area for me. I’ll probably never soar higher than this right now. Am I really ok with that? Or shall I press on a little longer?

If you are going to err on one side or the other, I’d say stick with something longer, even if you’re unsure. You may regain the joy or find your enthusiasm again!

It’s a personal decision. Good luck.

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CategoriesActionObserveThink About It

Triangulate To The Truth

You need different perspectives to assess what could have happened. Why would a court call several witnesses to the stand? Because each one may have seen things slightly differently.

The totality of what they witnessed gives a much better picture than just the one observation point. Remember this the next time you go and judge someone based only on your views or that of only one other.

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CategoriesActionObserveThink About It

Discredit

The number one weapon of people with no viable argument is to discredit someone. They are unable to address the precise issue head on and stick to that. They aim to discredit the person to win the argument rather than use sound facts or relevant information. This is usually because they don’t have a strong, or any, case.

If this happens, remind the person to remain on topic. You can also remind them that you’d prefer that they not engage in personal attacks or make this personal. If they continue, discontinue the conversation as clearly they are less interested in discussing the point or feel they have lost the argument so they try to drag you down in some form.

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CategoriesActionThink About It

Rebellion

Youthful exuberance is how it might be noted. Doing things one’s own way is a time tested desire. It can have some good outcomes from it and sometimes it goes too far and doesn’t work out for anyone.

Rebellions can be very good, depending on what the cause is.

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CategoriesHealth & FitnessObserveThink About ItTime

What Are You Reading?

Does it fill you with joy or sadness? Are you more tense because of it? Does it make you angry, frustrated or alone?

Reading is a great and underused skill. Though reading good, positive and enriching things is so important. Don’t waste your time on junk. Look at what junk food does to a body. Imagine that with your brain.

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CategoriesActionFinancialThink About It

Credit Card Debt

Ideally you will never pay more than 4% per year on any credit card debt.

This means you pay it off in full, and on time, every month. Or you have done a Balance Transfer or Money Transfer deal. This usually means you’re paying 0% interest for 9, 15 or even 36 months! And the fee they charge for this is often 2.9%, which is incredibly low, especially when spread across 3 years!

If you currently pay more than £25 per month in interest payments on any one card, or combined across several cards, you can save that money if you learn a few key concepts.

Let me know if you would like any help.

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