The Ben Franklin Solution
The Problem
One of the many things I've noticed since I joined WA is the constant inner battles going on in the minds of many our fellow colleagues. Should I quit? Is it worth it? Can I afford it? Am I capable of doing this? Am I savvy enough? Do I have the skills?
The truth is--and this is not just my opinion--that anyone with a sound mind and reasonable health can make it through this program and earn money. Will we all become rich? Who knows? One man's rich is another man's comfortable. But don't we determine our success? Could it be that anything less is just an excuse?
I have met folks here with pacemakers, missing limbs, some with awful health and financial problems. Single moms with multiple children working two jobs. I salute you all.
You are the ones who make this world a better place; who make it all work.
A Problem Solver
A gentleman by the name of Ben Franklin, was one of the most accomplished and famous of all Americans. He lived from 1706 to1790 which put him right in the middle of the battle for independence.
Franklin's resume is huge, but I'll be brief. He was a Founding Father, a leading author and printer. A scientist, an inventor and America's first ambassador to France. He was also America's first millionaire. That was when a million meant something. I tell you all this to impress upon you--and me--that Mr. Franllin's advice is worth the taking.
Franklin's solution
It's said that the most powerful solutions to problems are almost always the simplist. This is certainly no exception. So what did the master do to solve his problems? I'm not going to tell you.................... Just kidding.
Ol' Ben, whenever he was confronted with a vexing problem--and that was an age of lots of problems--would pull out a blank sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. At the top, on the left, he wrote the word,"PRO". On the right, he wrote the word "CON". He then proceeded to list all the pro's and con's regarding his problem.
Some of these issues were weighted more heavily than others. In those cases he would enter them two or three times, as seemed fit. Then he would add up all the pro's and con's. And the solution to his problem was there before him.
You can play games with this technique, but if you are honest with it and with yourself, it can make decision making a lot easier. So......to stay or not to stay? If that is the question, why not submit it to the test designed by one of the brightest and wealthiest men who ever lived?
Love you guys. Hope this helps,
Dick :-)))
Recent Comments
52
Sometimes the simplest methods pack the hugest results. Great post, Dick. That ol' Ben was some smart guy. :-) Kinda like you for posting this. 1003 blessings. :-)
Aw shucks, t'wernt nuthin' ma'am.
I knew you were out there somewhere. Thanks Heather for the kind comment. Did you know that that wily old devil had some 15 or 16 siblings? That was common back then-mortality rate. What has that to do with the price of poodles?
Great to see you again. Happy weekend........My best, Dick..:-)))
Hi Dick, this is a good way to put the question to yourself on any problem to help you decide if it is worth the time and energy.
Reducing things to the simplest denominator can make it a much easier fix.
When I have a problem it always seems to be the giant in the room and that is only based on my ignorance about said problem.
Great post, Good to revisit the wisdom of ol' Ben,
Marty
Hi Marty.Thanks for your thoughts. As usual you are on target. Yes, Ben's idea is applicable to any problem we can conjure up, and most of our problems are self inflicted. Happy Thursday. :-)
Dick,
I think that the Pro and Con list are the best way to do a lot of things. When people are not sure if they should leave their job they should do a pro and con list and you will find the answer.
Thanks for sharing and caring!
Sheila. :)
Thank you Sheila. I agree. This little tool has huge application. Anywhere a decision is needed. Great thought. :-))
Thanks for sharing this Dick, it is something that we all probably know but just don't think of but it's still valid!
Barbara
Hi Barbara. You might add it to your list of affirmations or your general checklist. Betcha just reminded us that a habit is produced when you do something fo 21 straight days. It's a proven fact.
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Have used this system of good ol' Ben, and it works perfectly:)
Hi Loes. I agree. It can keep the gremlins away pretty well. Thanks for reading. Have a happy weekend. :-))