Know The Rules

One of my Dad’s friends would say, “Junior, if you're gonna play the game, you’ve got to know the rules.” His statement holds as true today as it did all those years ago when first spoken. I’ve been involved in a bit of a fiasco. It’s more chaos than I choose to participate in, but I’m not in a situation, at the moment, where I can remove myself from the chaos. So I’ve got to know the rules of engagement.

Unfortunately, I don’t, but I know people that do. The great thing about experience is it can be borrowed. It doesn’t have to be my own. That’s the case for today and yesterday. I was able to leverage the experience of others. They know the rules. They happily conveyed the rules, now I’m informed. I’m not walking around ignorant.

Another great thing about knowing the rules is being able to play dumb. I don’t have to walk around like I know it all. In fact, I’ve found it best to ask a bunch of questions. Asking questions, knowing the answers, tends to let people think they are rendering assistance. Most people don’t mind helping. Especially when I come from a position of apparent weakness. It’s great to have an understanding of myself, my network, and my ability to seek the assistance of others. It’s one of the main reasons I’ve been able to get to where I am.

Today, Friday, December 16, 2022, I am grateful that:

I got a chance to meet and speak with Marvin today. He was quite informative and helpful. I laid out my current situation and he’s a rules expert. He explained what was supposed to happen, said he would figure out why it didn’t happen, and follow up with his findings. It’s great to have the assistance of others.

Nick provided the right contact. His network is extensive in certain areas and my current chaos falls into an area he can help. He gladly gave me the name of his contact and his contact was happy to assist.

I’m feeling much better. My congestion is leaving and I’m feeling much more like myself. I’ve still got a slight fever, but my cough is practically nonexistent. I’m also much more rested, having slept most of the day.

Do you know the rules? At your job, in your marriage, your relationships, your church.

If you’re unsure of the rules, can you borrow the expertise of another?

How willing are people to lend you their assistance and expertise?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!