57. The “Whatever” Disease

I call it “the whatever disease” because it makes things harder.

It runs rampant everywhere you go. The word “whatever”. Or, more precisely, the phrase “or whatever”. Being precise is uncommon, and you know how I feel about being uncommon (it’s a good thing, in case you’re new around here).

For some reason, precision with our language has become what I might describe as optional, and it’s making life more difficult than it needs to be.

Our estimations are loosely given, our exaggerations are too big and close enough is becoming accepted as satisfactory.

Being vague is not getting us anywhere.

I’m talking about the difference between sending a blog post to the world whenever about whatever and sending a blog every Thursday at 4am about personal development insights.

That’s what this is about. Developing into a better version of yourself. To do that, you need precision, not loosely held habits that come and go in random intervals.

Right now, do you know how much you weigh? How much money you have in your bank accounts? What your house is worth? How many calories you eat on a typical Thursday? How many hours of sleep you need to feel your best? What time all your meetings, appointments and events are today?

Let me tell you this. It’s easier to make decisions that favour you and the people around you if you knew these answers and others like them. It helps the world around you if you’re precise, and if the world around you is doing better, you’re more likely to do better as well.

You have to know what you’re doing, and by that I mean you have to know what you’re trying to do. None of us really know what we’re doing, but it helps to at least know what questions to ask. To be precise with your pursuits is an enormous advantage.

When you have the details of your own life organized, being an influence on others is infinitely easier. This isn’t only about you, this is about being the best for your family and friends.

You’re doing the people you care about a disservice by being vague with yourself. Clear answers to any question you might be faced with is a gift to those around you. That said, I don’t mean to say you have to have all the answers, but I would emphasize that if you don’t have the answers then you precisely state as much.

If you do need to toss out an estimate, do so with well oriented thought. If you need to investigate before a real answer can be given, say so, and spare anyone from being misinformed.

Now here’s why I think there’s an apparent lack of precision with ourselves and our language. 3 reasons.