My friend has this way of evaluating things, which she calls the “Is It Worth It Factor.”
For example, many men cheat on their spouses or girlfriends. But some of those men figure out that, in the long run, the volcanic drama that eventually ensues isn’t worth it.
The “Is It Worth It Factor” is not limited to the male propensity towards infidelity. It’s about cultivating heightened awareness, based on experience.
What we call wisdom might just be a skill.
Maybe the key skill for wisdom is being always ready to evaluate the endless stream of impulses, temptations, and expectations that present themselves to us.
The skill is to evaluate that stream of mental flotsam by asking the simple question: is it worth it?
What kinds of things have you found to be not worth it? Hit the comments below and share your wisdom.
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I have found that a corollary of the “Is it Worth it Factor” to be the question, “What’s the worst thing that could happen if….?”, and the worst thing always turns out to be something that one never imagined and is far worse. Hence taking or try to take the high road always is the better plan.