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More Causes of Unwise Choices (Cont.)

Another cause of unwise choices is impatience.  And I confess: I lack patience.  In fact, just the other day, I stopped by Wal-Mart to pick up a few items: a whole rotisserie chicken, a bag of grapes, and a can of almonds.  (I’m on a diet!)  Hoping to be in and out in a flash, I went to the 20 Items or Less line.  While in line, I was getting frustrated for two reasons: the first customer at the register needed a price check; the second was actually paying with a check.  Ugh!  As I was fidgeting impatiently, I got a bright idea:

More Causes of Unwise Choices

The first is inadequate information.  Because of inadequate information, we often make emotionally-driven decisions.  And our emotions can be tricky.  They’ll convince us to enter relationships we’re not ready for, reach for what will eventually hurt us, buy what we can’t afford, and make ill-informed decisions.  Let’s say you’re looking for a used car, and something catches your eye. 

The Three Scrooges: Naysayers

Members of the third group of scrooges, Naysayers, go out of their way to tell you why you can’t succeed, why your plans won’t work, and what you don’t have.  They focus on what can go wrong, rather than what can go right.  Instead of encouraging you, Naysayers provoke you to renege on your aspirations.  They assault you with their buddy—the three-headed monster of doubt and fear and insecurity.  To prevent Naysayers and company from clogging my head with negative thoughts, I avoid them like the plague.  And I suggest you do the same.  We don’t have time for them.  We have dreams to chase, goals to accomplish, and a purpose to fulfill.  The last thing we need is a Naysayer muddying our path. 

The Three Scrooges: Joy-Stealers

The second group of scrooges, Joy-Stealers, comes like a thief in the night.  These sneaky critters may not overtly attack you, but by the time they’re finished with you, you’re left with nothing but confusion, depression, and despondency.  If you let them, they’ll cunningly contaminate your mind with cruddy thoughts.  A Joy-Stealer will take your good news, mix it up in his “joy-stealer bowl,” and serve it back to you as bad news.  One of my friends is a Joy-Stealer.  He’s been one for years.  His sour, irksome remarks would leave me wondering, “What did he mean by that?  Was he suggesting that…?  Was he implying that…?”  By the time we finished talking, my head would be filled with dreary, discouraging thoughts.  Therefore, although I value his friendship, I now keep our conversations short.  That way I minimize my chances of contracting the negative attitude virus.   

The Three Scrooges: Energy-Killers

At least three groups of people, The Three Scrooges, bring about a negative attitude.  The first group, Energy-Killers, squeezes the life out of you.  By their tired remarks, Energy-Killers dim your passion and clutter your thoughts.  When their names appear on the caller ID, you subconsciously weigh the pros and cons of answering the phone.  You ask yourself if there’s enough in your emotional tank to deal with them.  Just as kryptonite depletes the one who is faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive, so Energy-Killers drain you with their persistent riffraff. 

Not long ago, I distanced myself from an Energy-Killer.  I can’t remember the gist of our talks, but I do remember the emotional toll they took on me.  The decision to distance myself was a tough one.  It meant possibly hurting someone’s feelings.  But which was more important—my peace or this person’s feelings?  Which was more important—my peace or this person’s feelings?  (I told you it was a tough decision.)  In the end, my peace won out.  And in order to vaccinate yourself from the virus of a negative attitude, and thereby guard your passion for life, keep Energy-Killers at bay.  Love them from a distance.  This may be a tough decision, but one that may eventually invigorate your life.