I once formed a WhatsApp group for my marketing team and I must say what I consider most disturbing was the lack of focus for the group. Often it felt like I was on my own. Despite all the agreed rules, the only time they made posts, the posts were totally unrelated to the business of growing businesses or empowering themselves; granted there was an occasional very insightful thought; thank God! However, for most it was not a platform to fast track their progress, instead, it was used to socialize and make new friends.
Why would this be the best course of action if you are to stay on the fast track? People make bad choices and sometimes they just are not ready for better or need to learn from the poor choices they have made. In such a situation, ensure they do not drag you and the community along with them. Below are some reasons people may make a poor choice that derail them from the fast track to their life goals or against their values;
- They do not know better. This person is the easiest to help because sometimes just highlighting facts may help them change their mind.
- Pride; they feel they know it all because of newly acquired knowledge. Sometimes newly acquired knowledge and beliefs when not properly analyzed may lead to people making very obvious mistakes because they have not taken time to think things through
- They don’t know what they do not know. When one does not know and does not recognize that there may be important facts they are missing and need to consider. Simply asking what, when, why, who, how sometimes helps clarify a myriad of things
- Peer pressure; wanting to be like the Joneses is more often than not the reason many adults make poor decisions. Not recognizing that not everyone can be the same and your path in life is not meant to be like everyone in your graduation class is important.
- Desperation; sometimes people get desperate to achieve something and in this situation, they figure the goal justifies the means. They are simply blinded to any other option. Situations that can course this is financial difficulties, illness, loss of a loved one or separation, and any traumatic event.
- Lack of patience and tenacity; Good things and success come to those who wait. Patience and tenacity are crucial if one is to achieve success. However, for those who take the decision to give up even when they have in their capacity to succeed in what they are doing, a lack of patience and the tenacity to withstand the pressures they are going through may play a key role in making a bad decision.
