What's Worse Than Ignorance?

Inaction destroys far more lives than ignorance. Sure, there are plenty of things you do not know. There are myriad useful information that I am not aware of or do not have access to as well. However, there is also an abundance of valuable knowledge we both have that we simply do not employ and leverage to improve our lives.

It is easy to blame ignorance. “I just did not know any better,” we explain to others when things go wrong. We also try to sell ourselves that little line. And sometimes it is true. And maybe even most of the time it is narrowly correct. But it misses the bigger issue: How much of the knowledge that we do have do we reliably act on?

No, you may not understand how to compare mutual funds or real estate investments, but you do know you need to save for the future. Are you consistently paying your future self?

No, you may not know whether kale or broccoli is better for your health and longevity, but either is a much better choice than the McDonald’s breakfast or the donut you just started your day with.

No, you may not be a sleep scientist and be able to grasp all the nuances of a restful night’s sleep, but you can probably guess that binge-watching Netflix until 1am is not the best choice to kick off tomorrow’s day.

No, you may not be able to decipher between all the parenting advice that is out there these days, but are you intentionally investing in your kids and pouring your energy into them? How about your spouse? The other important relationships in your life?

There is a lot we do not know. But there is a great deal we do know that we just do not do anything about. Yes, ignorance is an issue, but inaction is a far more destructive culprit in our lives.

Comments

Toxic Humility

We have all seen false humility: the guy who tries to hide his arrogance with feigned modesty. It’s usually pretty obvious and always obnoxious. But there is also another variation of false humility out there: toxic humility. This is often displayed in self-deprecating talk and a lack of self-confidence, belittling or undermining one’s own talents and abilities. The danger in this kind of behavior is twofold: it is too often accepted as true humility and like a virus, it spreads doubt and disbelief. To clarify, it is not that the bearer of this toxic humility isn’t honest about his view of himself. That is the very issue: he absolutely believes he has little value or utility. He thinks downplaying his own worth is humility but I disagree. CS Lewis said it best when he wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking about yourself less.” His point being, true humility is not an ever-present raincloud of self-doubt that follows you around. It’s a focus on...

The Art of Intentionality

“Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before others’ choices make you.” – Richie Norton I am not even sure who Richie Norton is, but I love that quote! I imagine a ship drifting out to sea, pushed around by the wind and the waves. No course of direction, yet the captain is frustrated when the ship ends up dashed against the rocks, trapped on a sandbar or marooned on an inhospitable island. It is easy to complain when life takes us where we do not want to go. But who is really to blame if we have never set our sails to align us along an appropriate course? Do we blame the waves, wind and the weather? Or should we blame the captain of the ship? It is our life and our ship. We must set our sails with intentionality and determined choices. Otherwise, we are doomed to aimlessly drift along according to the choices and decisions of others.

Hasty Hares

We live in a world full of hares. People darting from one thing to another. Always looking for a shortcut. Constantly seeking a quick fix. Ever searching for a hack. And more than anything, they want it NOW! Speed seems to have replaced diligent planning and patient determination. It’s all about quick results, immediate feedback and instant gratification. People seem to be less concerned with the direction they are headed than how fast they are moving. They don’t know where they are going – and are quite possibly moving in the wrong direction – but at least they’re making good time! But the pace and aimless effort catches up. They get jaded and burn out. Or they simply end up “lost.” They fail to notice that movement isn’t progress. They don’t consider that sheer velocity, without control and accuracy, is dangerous and destructive. They forget the tortoise wins. Every. Single. Time. “It matters not how slowly you go. It only matters that you do not stop.” – Confucio...

Mindset Matters

Search This Blog