Often we look back on negative situations and think, “If I’d only known then what I know now.” But how often do we reflect to see if we really did know, yet chose to ignore warning signs?
Victims of spousal infidelity frequently assess their situations, recalling: “I had a funny feeling when,” or “I thought it was strange, but …” hiring managers sometimes use the same phrases when a new employee doesn’t work out.
In both scenarios, rather than heeding the internal alarm that draws attention to a less-than-forthright situation, participants choose to look the other way.
So, what makes us ignore warnings that ultimately lead to the inevitable, whether it is divorce, loss of a job, or another unpleasant outcome? Fear of change.
It’s easier to maintain the status quo than acknowledge and remedy shortcomings. Remaining in a dysfunctional or unrewarding relationship is painful but may seem less painful than ending the relationship and moving forward. Whether financial, emotional or social, fear of the unknown can keep us tied to an unsatisfactory situation.
Joy of reward
Strangely enough, the unsatisfactory situation can keep us from noticing another pain-inducing trait. Complaining about lack of quality workers keeps us from acknowledging our own poor judgment in choosing employees.
We’re taught to make decisions using hard facts, scientific data, concrete measurements. But what about “the little birdie,” that gut feeling that said, “Don’t drive down this street” right before your fender bender. Reason prevented you from hearing the warning. After all, taking that route cuts your commute in half.
The moral? It takes courage to step out of the box and pay attention to signs of impending danger. The choice to take notice solely is ours.
Lifestyle expert Doni Luckett features products, services and information to “live connected.” Contact her at enrichedlife@divine-basics.com.
