Ahead of the curve. Any curve.

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This, first, blog post, is about managing one’s life. Well, my life.

I seem to be dragging things along, and they consume energy. Today, I somehow came to think of a way to counteract that. It’s being ahead of the curve.

Instead of letting things get to a stage where I’m acting on a deadline, I should be pushing others. An example:

An interaction with the housing compound manager. They sent me (among all occupants) a letter that I don’t really like. And I need to reply by so-and-so.

What’s common to these bothers is the burocracy. You are not negotiating with a person, you are dealing with a burocracy - and apparatus that doesn’t really treat you as an individual.

I will reply. But I will also push my own, seemingly unrelated, letter on “them”. This gives me the feeling that I’m ahead of the curve. I require something from them and - at least for my brain - this works as a counterweight to what “they” are expecting from me.

Did you follow?

If you did not, it’s likely just that you don’t have this struggle with compliance - which I seem to have!

Any curve.

Let’s apply that to my life at large.

I’ve sometimes had this nagging feeling that something’s not right. Usually prior to me getting laid off, actually. Instead of hoping for the best - and supressing that nagging feeling - what’s the harm in bringing the “cat out”.

Me: Hey, boss.

Boss: ??

Me: I kind of have the feeling things aren’t working. Would you like to share your side of that? Are you perfectly happy with how I’m doing?

Well. That can get me laid off, as well, but at least the initiative was on my side!!! Doesn’t that count!?

I.e. this “ahead of the curve” means validating your risk assumptions. Some of them evaluate to “nah, no problem” - others to starting a discussion - and those discussions are always best started early. Delays just let the slide continue…

How to make this stick?

I wrote this blog - on the same day I had the idea for it. Not “nah, I’ll give it a week”, but right the same evening.

I had anyways intended to start a blog. Here goes!!!

How about the rest of the life?

Laundry.

• Not pre-emptive, but before it piles up!

Reading.

• You can always use 30mins to read a book. Less browsing Youtube, I guess.

• Taxes. You guess it!!!

I have some things that I’ve pushed ahead a bit (e.g. writing to that housing compound manager). Will do it now. Blog entry done!