34 AUGUST 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” Sometimes waiting can be a smart move, but it can also be a really stupid one. Waiting until you retire to take the trip of a lifetime. Waiting until you are old enough, have enough money, or are smart enough to take some action or make some decision. Trust me, as a real idiot at times during my life, I waited too long for many things, but I won’t bore you with the details because I don’t want your pity. Rather, let’s talk about the idea of what or why idiots wait for certain things in life when it really isn’t the wisest or best thing to do. Every day we all make many choices and decisions. Some are made with fear and others with hope. Some are grounded in ego, others in impatience, and many will lead to a better future; but in the end, waiting for the perfect circumstances for some life decisions is really dumb. I know this is true for many of us as one who has done it many times myself. One quickie: Why do people wait for their dreams, plans, hopes, needs, or desires? Is it impatience? Ego? The need for control? They are perfectionists. Or is it something bigger or smaller? Want my opinion? They wait because of a combination of the dominance of five elements: hope, fear, desire, reputation, and control - and yes, there could be a few other reasons, but whichever one dominates them, or their personality, emotions, or plans will determine their ultimate behavior, attitudes, and actions. So, how about a few things people wait for that might be just a little bit stupid? (No disrespect intended if any of you have waited for these in the past or are now.) - Waiting for Mr. or Miss Perfect. Come on, your soul mate? Give me a break. With over 325 million residents in the U.S., don’t you think there might be more than one ideal mate? Waiting for him or her to show up is just stupid. Get out there. - Waiting to win the lottery. Millions of tickets are sold for every lottery, and do you know the chances of winning? Well, your chances are less than 10 million to one most of the time. Buying a space in a graveyard instead is a far better investment. - Waiting for the perfect career or job. The average employee today has a minimum of 5-10 jobs before they retire. What do you think the chances are of hitting a home run on your schedule? - Waiting to retire. What’s the rush? Oh, I see - you hate your career and just want to sit on the front porch and then go fishing or play golf all day. Or travel the world which you have been planning for 35 years. Good luck. Most people who retire can barely afford their basic living expenses today. - Waiting for the perfect vacation. Go watch Chevy Chase’s movie Vacation. Trust me, the perfect vacation is possible, but it doesn’t always exist. A late plane ride, hurricane, people in the hotel room next to yours with their TV on steroids. Folks selling drugs on the beach. - Waiting for the ideal promotion. You have been passed up on several occasions by a few employers and you are tired of stupid people who are not as talented as you getting promoted over you while you keep hoping and dreaming. - Waiting for some special news. I can’t do this anymore. Writing this stuff is giving me a headache and reminding me of all my waiting disappointments in life. It’s your turn. What are you waiting for? Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com “Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for the wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting.” ~Dr. Seuss
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk4Mzk=