Sometimes Smart People Do Stupid Things

Today I took my daughter to school and was struck by how easy the trip was. I hit all the green lights, there was very little traffic on the back road, and I even wondered where is everybody? Did we get our times wrong? It was the easiest trip to school I’ve ever had. 

And for some unknown reason, instead of returning home on that very same route, a route I KNEW was easy, I went home another way. 

And guess what? 

That route passes an elementary school and has a crossing guard who stops traffic for every single family walking their kid to school. I waited for 15 minutes as one family after another crossed the street.

Then, when I finally got out of that mess, a school bus pulled in front of me and made 8 separate stops. Do you know how frustrating it is to be behind a school bus that has 8 stops to make? (especially when you are out of coffee)

So my 5 minute commute home took over 30 minutes. 

And the thought that I kept thinking was… why did I choose this route? 

I knew there was a school there and I knew the busses also follow that route. I’ve made this mistake before. I know better. 

And yet, because I had a smooth ride on the first route - I imagined it would be a smooth ride the other way. 

And this is where I got it wrong. 

Instead of using my past experience as a predictor, I used wishful thinking when I turned right out of that school instead of left. I “hoped” it would be an easy ride - but if I’m honest, I knew it wouldn’t be. 

How many times have you made a choice based on wishful thinking versus what you know is true? 

How many times have you ignored something you know is true, because you hope it will be different? 

In my coaching practice, I help people tune in to what they know so they can make decisions that lead to a smooth ride. 

If you’d like a smoother ride… schedule a free consultation, or book a coaching session.