“Kobayashi Maru”

     Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seems no matter what you do they are going to be some unpleasant consequences?  It might be that you have the possible choice of three different “solutions.”  However, whichever one you choose the outcome is not going to be appreciated by everyone involved?  If you choose solution “A”, then those wanting “B” or “C” are going to be extremely upset.  The same is going to happen to the others if you choose “B” or if you choose “C”.

     So WHAT do you do?  In the old Star Trek serious, I’m talking about the original TV series; Captain Kirk had established himself as the only Star Fleet Captain who had defeated the training scenario known as the “Kobayashi Maru.”  This Starfleet Academy training exercise for cadets had the goal to rescue the civilian vessel Kobayashi Maru in a simulated battle with the Klingons.  It was, however, designed to be a no-win situation to test one’s character or a solution that involves redefining the problem and managing an insurmountable scenario gracefully.

     The point being, regardless of what was done the final solution was not going to a pleasant one.  There are times when we seem to face very similar “tests” within our lives and we must make the decision that we feel is going to provide the greatest benefit with the least amount of problem.  It always seems that in the end “someone” is going to be hurt or, at least, not going to gain any benefit from our decision.

     This may be a matter as simple as making the determination of where to go on the family summer vacation.  Some want to go to the mountains, some want to go the beach, some want to visit relatives, and then there are those who simply want to get away from everything and just relax with no “strings attached” to the venture!  How do you please everyone?  The solution is YOU DON’T!  Now you have to make the tough decision.

     On the reverse side, it may be a necessary decision that will affect the current lives of many people and perhaps change or at least alter their future lives in ways that you can’t presently even imagine.  This may take greater thought.  It may take a longer decision period.  It may involve consulting with several different individuals prior to making the final decision.  However, in the end, not everyone is going to be happy with the outcome.  Unfortunately, we may sooner or later have to face our own “Kobayashi Maru,” our own no-win situation!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"A challenge will never get accomplished

if you never get started."