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Friday, April 17, 2009

Certainties, Probabilities, And Possibilities

If we don't have certainties, we must rely on probabilities, and consider the possibilities. Because the future is not written in stone, it is not guaranteed. It is an unknown, and fear of the unknown (as with any other fear) can have a paralyzing effect. Decisions are imprisoned in our minds. Choices are impossible to make. Consequences wait impatiently. Fear becomes paranoia as we dread the judgements of others. A catalyst is required to induce us in some kind of direction. In an unfamiliar circumstance, the two best default catalysts are experience and preparation. Empirical decisions occur when a new situation is similar to past unexpected events but with a new twist of some type. Preparatory decisions occur in advance of an anticipated event, even though the time, place and nature are not known. Hence, the fear is reduced, and action can proceed. It is always wise to have an end goal, or objective which motivates us to override our fears. In an unfamiliar territory where a choice must be made, the most likely probabilities of consequences become the guideposts of our decisions. If we are wise, we tend to move towards the most favorable consequences. Quite often there is more than one favorable or unfavorable consequence. These are relative to our ultimate goal, and it may not matter which route we choose to get there, as long as we arrive. Choose a goal, then choose a path, and remember that the possibilities are endless.