Sunday, July 30, 2017

Rush no more

It's interesting how a good movie can impact you in many ways. A couple of weeks ago, I watched the movie Rush, and a dialogue by Niki Lauda got me thinking. He repeatedly says:
 I signed up for 20% risk, and I will take no more. 

Admittedly, most of us do not drive Formula-1 cars, but we have our own share of this 20% risk: bad roads, heavy rains or fog, rash or incompetent drivers, or simply bad luck. Problem is, we often are willing to take more risks than is necessary.

In my case, I was OK with leaving a few minutes later for the railway station because I knew I could make up for it on the road. 
I was OK with Aditi sleeping a few minutes more because I could drive just a little bit faster and still make it on time to school.

The movie made me realize this is not acceptable. Leave early for the station. Wake up the kiddo at a proper time. And, in case there are any unforeseen problems, be willing to arrive a bit late.

There's no heroism in taking on 'challenges' that are perfectly avoidable.