BRENDYN.

Speculation is the wisdom of emotion.

Have you ever been approached by something specific that caused you to think hard before a decision? Right, most of us have. It’s even more difficult to make a decision when our emotions get in the way.

I’m trying to lead a life where I’m not subject to my emotions. It’s hard sometim…most of the time. One of the key things I’ve recognized though is speculation, and what part it plays in feeding emotion. When we observe a situation, there are usually two ways of seeing it. The first is through a critical analysis of the truth. The second is through a creation of truth…lying or speculating. When we speculate, we inject specific thoughts into our mind that support whatever we want to feel. For instance, if I were to sit at a table in a crowded restaurant for lunch:

Server: Hi, My name is Steve and I’ll be your server today. May I bring you something to drink?
Me: Sure, do you have Raspberry Iced Tea?
Server: No, sir. We just have regular iced tea. I’ll be back with it in a moment.
*A few moments pass*
Server: Here you are, sir.
Me: I actually didn’t order this. May I have water instead?
Server: Fine!

Rude? Yes. I speculate that the server doesn’t really want to serve my table and doesn’t really care about my needs as a customer here. I think I need to speak with the manager because I feel undervalued.

That is an immediate response out of emotion.

Now, looking at it critically, realize I’m in a crowded restaurant. It is quite possible that Steve is being pressured by several customers as well as management. He’s probably stressed, so I should try and make his job a little easier.

So, the point is this: take time to look at your life from a critical standpoint and make the best decision the ultimately adds value to your environment. Investigate, don’t speculate. (sorry, I wanted to add that catch phrase).