The Nearly Averted Federal Government Shutdown - What We Can Learn From It

The Nearly Averted Federal Government Shutdown - What We Can Learn From It

I fell asleep early last night so when I awoke at 2:45 am I flipped through the channels to find out what transpired with the Federal Government, to see if an agreement had been reached regarding the potential shutdown.  I had to sit though the last 15 minutes of Piers Morgan interview of Eva Longoria before finding out that a last minute deal had been reached.   I figured that would be the case, similar to what happened with a last minute deal being agreed on the Bush Tax Cuts.   Although at the same time I was thinking it was very risky to wait until the last hour, or even the last minute.

I say shame on the Government and the Politicians for not being able to work this out earlier and setting a horrible example to our youth and our country.  I would expect this from college kids but not from the most esteemed elected officials in the United States of America. 

What can we learn from this ?

Simple - do not wait until the last minute to make important decisions !  Even worse, it seems like everywhere around us is teaching us that waiting until the last second is good.  Good old procrastination at its best !  Heck we all do it.  I remember cramming for all sorts of exams in high school, college, the CPA exam, the real estate exam and so forth.   But procrastination is worse when dealing with people or in business.  When you put things off, you miss out on opportunities... period !

I understand that in negotiations that waiting until the last second might be a good move, but at the same time, a lot of productivity is wasted.  Sometimes people take too long to make a decision.  And by the time they do, the opportunity is gone.  For example, in real estate, a buyer may toil over making an offer on a property for far too long, he may go back to look at the property two or three times with relatives and friends and then finally declare "I am ready to make an offer" only to find out that the property is sold.   Or how about when you finally get the nerve to ask someone out on a date and it is too late ?  The list goes on and on...

My point is "carpe diem" !  Do not wait until the last minute.  That does not mean make impulsive decisions, but trust your gut, your intuitions.    I think people would be more happy and less consumed by fear and worry.   At the same time, politicians need to loosen up as well and step up and get the job done.  The productivity is at an all time low because nothing is getting done at the Hill.  There is no excuse that this came so close to a shutdown.   Where is the leadership ?  The Republicans and Democrats working together ?  Where is the common sense ?    

Please share your thoughts on this in the comments below.