- Seven Deadly Stupidities
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- Always Measure Twice
Always Measure Twice
Among mortals, second thoughts are wisest. -- Eurphides
The saying “measure twice, cut once” is a rule for woodworking that is meant to avoid mistakes and waste. (It is also something about which my father-in-law is obsessed.) But it is really a warning for any serious decision making to double-check everything before making a commitment. We have all heard the advice, “You should think twice about that.” But how often do we actually do so?
Why are so many smart people not smart enough to realize what they don’t know? Probably because they want to be known as the “smartest” or the “fastest” to make a judgement.
But situations in which there is no second measurement are problematic since these constructs often entail Iceberg Risk. As we know, 90% of an iceberg is underwater and not visible. Learn to identify situations that look great on the surface but do not hold up to that second measurement since this is where your dreams will likely hit that iceberg.
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