Goldilock Choices

This week I've been reminded of Goldilocks.  Trying to meet the expectations of even three people is sometimes difficult to do.  And crowd pleasing is far more challenging. Just like Goldilocks - there can be individual assessments of too much, too little or just right.

When we realize that we're never going to be able to satisfy all members of varied groups, every time, we can gather the best feedback available, and try to make things just right for the less rigid majority.

Constant Choices

Before 8:00 a.m. today I'd already made several choices that impacted the rest of my day:

• a few more moments of relaxation/sleep
• creating a centerpiece for the kitchen island
• thus, running 1/4 mile less than anticipated, yet 1/4 mile more than my daily requirement to meet my annual goal

Fortunately, these terrific early morning choices positively impacted the rest of my day. I responded early to my needs for rest, creativity and exercise. 

Though our constant barrage of daily choices aren't always as clear cut as these, it is sometimes helpful to remember that each simple choice we make can positively or negatively impact our days, thus our lives. 

Averages

A friend was relating a conversation with a Californian about their 60 degree average days.  He was quick to point out that our Houston fall average has also been 60 degrees, but we've arrived at that average with swings from 40 to 80 degrees.  In this case, averages yield entirely different wardrobe needs.  This was just another reminder that when we are making decisions, we often need to know the supporting data, rather than just the average of the numbers.

You're so...

When a positive comment enters our brain it should exit our lips.  When a negative comment reaches our brain, we need to grab it, analyze it and decide if it's necessary or important to share. 

Choices

Think of several people you know well. My guess is that there are differing degrees of decisiveness among your list, as is the case with mine.  I have a friend who wants to evaluate all possibilities before making a choice. By contrast, when I find something I like, I am happy to make that choice and move on. 

Sheena Iyengar, a professor at Columbia Business School, has written a book, The Art of Choosing.  I enjoyed her findings about choosing from a presentation that she made:

• Some decisions are easier when choices are narrowed.
• We assume that we know what we want, but don't always recognize our preferences.
• Happiness comes from wanting what we get.
• We sometimes make choices contrary to our preferences in order to express our individuality. 
• When we are seduced by too many possibilities, we may avoid making a decision.

I've often said that everyone wants options.  The ability to choose is energizing and liberating.  However, unlimited choice can be paralyzing.

2 Minutes Flat

A fun-loving, fancy-free man, enjoying fresh air and the freedom  from a conventional commute that a convertible provides, merged into my lane on the Westpark Tollway.  For two minutes, his execution was flawless - an approach to follow.   Though I don't commute with my convertible top down, I momentarily considered a missed opportunity. 

Two minutes later, this frantic, forlorn man was tempting fate as he foolishly stopped his car on the Post Oak ramp to see how fast he could close his roof.

Things always change, but not always this rapidly.  If our view is narrow, we risk assessing the 2-minute convertible appropriate view. When we consider and evaluate more than the apparent visuals at hand, we gain a broader perspective.

Though we value speed, two minutes is not enough time to make an informed decision.

Is the Grass Greener?

The grass is always greener when a professional is responsible for the care and feeding.

This applies to instances when we hire professionals to maintain our grounds. It is also relevant to job search options when an individual is discontented with a current employer but hasn't professionally examined the pros and cons of his/her current situation versus an alternative employer. If we only look at the above ground (green grass) optics, we may miss the deeply rooted core fundamentals. Temporary situations may look ominous, but we owe it to ourselves, careers and employers to determine if this is a temporary (water rationing during a drought) anomaly or a systemic problem. Unless we professionally invest time to understand and examine our current situation versus alternatives we may fall victim to the reality that the grass is really only greener in very specific geographies (employers).

May green grass flourish as we professionally invest in the care and feeding of our careers.

Practical v. Precious

My "funtabulous" car was purchased due to the "embrace possibilities" influences of my precious family. I had all intentions of buying another American SUV which had served me admirably. (Note to opinion surveyors - things change.) Why,(asked my wise beyond their years, children) did our family of four need three SUVs? They were right, and I became the steward of a fun, stylish and sporty car. And I enjoy it immensely everyday!

Though this is a specific example, I encourage listening to those who love us. They encourage us to occasionally do things that fall outside our practical mode, but enrich us. Life is to be lived fully!