Alternative Answers or Solutions

Last week I started working on a project with a bit of zest and vigor. I’d purchased access to a tool to assist in my endeavors. The tools is subscription based and has a monthly usage limit, which I had no idea of how much I could do or would accomplish using the tool. Four or five days into the subscription, I’ve exhausted the entire month’s allotment. I’d like to say I’m disappointed, because I am, but I’m more impressed that I finished what I did so quickly.

Based on my usage, the plans they offer, and the time to find a viable alternative, it looks like a week worth of work, at that rate, is all I’ll get done with this provider. There are alternatives. Similar service providers exist and I’ll begin using them as well. There’s also the proprietary solution of building a system for our company. I’d explored both alternatives before making my current decision. I’ll not need to research again as my info is less than a month old. The challenge is time. I set a deadline and goal for three days from today. I’m forty percent complete and building out an alternative will more than likely cause me to miss my deadline. I’ll walk around a bit, drink some coffee, and come back with a decision in a few.

After thinking about it for a bit this morning, I’ve made a decision. I’ll work on a proprietary system. I can complete it in phases. I can complete a working model today, as compared to my previous estimations of months. It won't be ideal, but it’ll be enough to get started and keep going. I’m familiar enough with three of the five systems needed to make the first stage viable. If, at the end of today, it’s not working, I’ll pay for another service provider. There’s no need to keep thinking and contemplating on this issue, I can quickly implement an alternative and test it. This solution isn’t ideal, but it’s workable and today, that’s what I need, something that’s workable.

Today, Monday, July 29, 2024, I am grateful that:

I’ve been disciplined enough to set and maintain a routine. I deviated this morning and the majority of the day is gone. I answered the phone, made a call, and did some impromptu writing. All done for friends, but I must be more disciplined.

I got a chance to meet and help Elliott get settled into the city. We met while I was outside smoking. He’s from near my place in Texas and it was repayment of a debt I owe to those that helped me get settled.

There are a few other men, on similar paths, but a bit further along in their journey in the building. It’s great to tap into the experience of others. Opinions are cool, but experience is rare and quite valuable.

How do you find alternatives?

What’s the last solution you implemented that wasn’t part of the original plan?

Abe,

Be Greater!!!