A Bug’s Life Guide to Decision-Making

Bugzapper

Photo by fly again on flickr.

Remember the brilliant animated movie A Bug’s Life?  (Disclaimer for animated purists: I haven’t watched the movie in a few years, so this is my mind’s interpretation, which may be technically inaccurate.)

There’s a scene shot next to a camper van.  It’s a quiet evening.  You hear the night sounds of all of the insects chirping and buzzing.  It’s a peaceful evening.

You then see a bug light glowing in the background.  Two bugs are talking as they fly in the area of the light.  One starts to go closer to the light when the other one calls out, “don’t look at the light!”  His bug friend, continuing to move closer to the light, says “I can’t help it.  It’s so beautiful!”

Seconds later you wince as you hear the inevitable buzzing sound and see the flashing light.  The bug screams as the bug light does its job and kills the insect.

The bug light.  Or, as this website calls it, the “electrical-discharge insect-control system.”  It’s designed to rid your outdoors of annoying insects.

So many times in life what may look good isn’t in our best interest.  The key question is how do you distinguish between genuine opportunity and a disaster.  And that discernment isn’t always easy.  What can help guide you?

1.  Don’t ignore warning signs.  Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.

2.  Listen to others around you.  In this case, one of the bugs was shouting not to follow the light.  That’s what a friend does.

3.  Look at others who have headed this way before you.  I imagine that had that bug looked down, it would have seen the results of getting too close.  The past is a guide.  Don’t ignore it completely even as you focus on the future.

4.  Get some perspective.  Had the bug flown away and looked at the scene, it may have realized the danger.  That’s why vacations or corporate retreats can be valuable.

5.  Don’t rush.  If the road ahead isn’t clear, don’t step on the accelerator.  I’m always charging ahead with great speed, but I also recognize that at times you need to slow down in order to reach your destination safely.

Look at your company.  What’s your strategy?  Is it taking you to a brighter future?  Or is that bright light the beginning of the end?

Look at your life.  What’s your philosophy?  The wrong philosophy is like that bug light.  It looks good, but leads to a bad ending.

Look at your friends, your coworkers, your boss.  Everyone you associate with.  Are they the ones who would give you a warning before you hit the electrical discharge control system or would they just let you go your own way?

Do you ever feel like that bug, trapped in the glow of a bug light? Or do you find yourself sometimes uncertain whether your direction is the right one? What do you do? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    I found trusting my self is important. When I see a opportunity but my gut does not feel right then I seek out more information to make sure it’s right or not. If I keep feeling that way I make sure not to commit to the opportunity.

    I think it’s so important to get wise counsel when looking into a opportunity(#2).

    This post is full of wisdom. Great job Skip.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks, Dan. I always think “make reversible decisions quickly and irreversible decisions slowly.” A good rule.

  • http://www.facebook.com/hilltopconsultant Ray Hill

    My prayers now are always for wisdom and understanding. God brings people, situations and events in our lives that can guide us to the right decisions. Faith without works is dead. Due diligence will allow God to order your footsteps for His glory.

  • Shelley M

    I like this because I’m trying to make a decision right now and this gives me a way to think about it. I hope to end up in a good place and not zapped!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Shelley, glad this could be of some help to you. If you are searching for good counsel, it’s a good sign that you will make it. Best wishes.

  • Mell Fletcher

    Parapraxis alert in, “Look at your life.”…bud light? LOL

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      That’s the Mell sense of humor!

  • Steve Pate

    Your excellent guidance trigger a memory of the W. H. Auden quote: “Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise; because of impatience we cannot return.”

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Great quote! Something I’m always working on is patience. I like to think of “sense of urgency” as a positive though.