Every week, sometimes more than once a week, I get the question from someone in my training classes – “Why do 
smart people make dumb choices?” I have to admit I am a bit humored, since I was once one of those “smart people” that made a really dumb choice. That choice created a consequence that was life changing – prison! But that’s a different story for another article.
It could happen to you!
Time out. “Not me,” you might say! “Yes You,” sorry but the truth is the truth. You see most people are wired to make honest ethical choices (Critical Part Here) as long as life is in balance.
I’m confused, you might say! So think of choices this way, if your job/income is stable, your relationships are stable/even joyful and your health is good, then it’s safe to say that you wake up with a life that is in balance. No major stresses or worries. But what if life gets out of balance. What if you lose your job, your husband/wife files for divorce or you’re diagnosed with cancer? What if that happens? Do you think you’ll be focused on making the right choices? Answers to these questions relates to the question: Why do smart people make dumb choices?
Here’s the real truth…behind why do smart people make dumb choices
When life get’s out of balance it becomes human nature (fight or flight lizard brain reaction) to make quick choices to try to regain balance. That’s when, we as humans, make dumb choices. And those choices have consequences – consequences that can have a life changing impact.
So what do I do?
May I suggest the following: (1) think about the dumb choices you might have made in your life and ask yourself (be honest here) what were you afraid of that caused you to make a less that smart choice? FEAR is the foundation for dumb choices. (2) Think about the three major areas of your life – financial – relationship – health – and ask yourself if there is any imbalance in any of those that might trip you up when making life choices? (3) Lastly, when you start to feel pressure to make a quick decision, think about where that pressure is coming from (financial, relationship or health) and stop to evaluate your fear and the choice(s) you are considering. The best question you can ask yourself is – am I one of those smart people getting ready to make a dumb choice?
The answer to that question might be the thing that will keep you out of “dumb choice” trouble.
Here’s wishing you great choices cause I know you’re smart enough to make them!
