Looking Behind

      Now that I have had several decades pass within my life, it might seem a simple thing to look back at some of the decisions that I made.  Perhaps I could consider why I made them or even why I had rejected others.  However, before I would do that, I would need to have a good reason for doing so.  I think probably the most important reason for doing so could be summed up in the words of writer and philosopher George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” (The Life of Reason, 1905)

     Sometimes as imperfect human creatures we think that we can continue to do the same thing over and over again and at some point, we will reap a different result.  Just think about this from a simple scientific perspective.  Most of us are aware that as a chemical compound, a water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms that are connected by covalent bonds.  We may also be aware that hydrogen is a versatile fuel that can be produced from many sources, including WATER!

     Now this is where it may become a bit more complicated.  There is a process (called electrolysis) that involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen with the help of electricity.  It would probably be better if you could watch a brief video on how this process works.  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38ULHoKWZag )

     My point is that by using this method and knowing the chemical makeup of water, an individual or a company will always know the results that are going to be achieved.  Imagine using electrolysis on water thinking you are going to get carbon dioxide as one of your products.  You would probably be “laughed out” of your position.  Or, at the least, no longer be allowed to work on that specific project!

     From a unique perspective in time, we can look back on the results of the various decisions that we have had to make and no doubt see many areas where we could have made a better choice.  Thereby, obtaining more positive results.  But, we can’t, at the time of having to make such decisions, decide that we are going to achieve a new and unique result by following the same process over and over again!

     It is interesting how this may seem like a simple concept, but many have a very difficult time putting this idea into practice.  In a recent study it was stated: “But a new study suggests a “good rule of thumb in decision-making is, whenever you cannot decide what you should do, choose the action that represents a change, rather than continuing the status quo,” says University of Chicago economist Steven Levitt, who conducted the study.” (https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/22/people-who-choose-change-more-satisfied-with-decision-study.html )

     Did you know that some of this type of thinking has been instilled within us from the time we were small children?  After you were born, you were pretty much helpless!  Everything had to be done for you by someone else.  When you were hungry, when you were wet, when you just didn’t feel good - - - you CRIED!  And someone came and took care of your dilemma.  For MOST of us, as we got older, and we cried because we wanted something done for us, we were total, “Get it yourself!” or maybe “Do it yourself!”  We learned that continuing to do the same thing (crying) would no longer get the results we were looking for.  So, we made changes!

     Unfortunately, some did not do that.  Even today, as adults, they continue to whine and sulk when they don’t get their way.  Again thinking that this action will bring the results they are wanting to achieve.  They never learned to “get it” themselves or “do it” for themselves!

     As you look back on your life, I don’t want you to think that I am saying that there was only ONE RIGHT decision that you should have made.  No, when we look at individual circumstances there are going to be many factors that must be considered before concluding which course to take at any specific time.  NO ONES circumstances, background, mental state, physical condition, and so on, are going to be exactly like someone else.  Given the information you have at any specific time is what you will use to make the best decision you can under those circumstances.  And people may make different decisions using the same criteria that you had available. 

     Our lives ARE NOT as simple as the chemical construction of water.  We are much more complicated.  Our circumstances are constantly changing around us as we attempt to make the best decisions we can.  And we are constantly changing as individuals, growing and expanding as we learn and experience different things in our lives.  But, one constant deterrent that we all have is the every-looming fact: we’re only human!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"You can't walk straight ahead

when you are looking behind!"