It’s Not Just Others Who Are Irrational
In my post yesterday, I talked about how people aren’t rational (but think they are) — and how we need to account for that when negotiating.
But it’s not just other people — it’s all of us.
Every decision you make is driven by emotion first, then reason. We decide, then justify. It happens so fast we don’t even notice.
People aren’t rational beings. We’re rationalizing beings.
We come up with reasons to do whatever we want to do anyway. Knowing all the “why nots” doesn’t stop us if we want it badly enough.
Don’t believe me? Let’s talk about the big lotto jackpot tonight.
You’ve seen the stories: lottery winners going broke, wrecking their relationships, spiraling into messes they couldn’t imagine before.
Sudden wealth is not something most people are equipped to handle.Many (if not most) wealthy people made and lost fortunes before they figured out how to keep money instead of just make it.
But the money isn’t even the biggest problem.
The real wrecking ball hits your relationships. You suddenly have hundreds of millions, and people come out of the woodwork — friends, cousins, coworkers, that one guy you barely know. They’ll remind you how “fortunate” you are and how you “owe” it to share.
It’s hard to say no without resentment growing on both sides. And if you think you’ll avoid that by finding a whole new circle, good luck — the new crowd is usually worse.
At least your old group knew and liked you before you had money. With new people, you’ll always be suspicious of their motives.
Friendships lost. Families fractured. Addiction rates jump.
And you already know all this.
But when the jackpot gets big, what’s the first thing you think?
“I’d never have to worry about money again!”
You’ll rationalize all the warnings away. “It’ll be different for me.”
Disagree? Tell me after you buy your ticket.
Or tell me when you see me buying mine.
This doesn’t have much to do with real estate, I know.
If you win, you probably won’t be selling much — you’ll be too busy hiding from cousins you didn’t know you had.
If you’re on the other side and want to buy something, though, I know a guy.
Got a lot you might want to sell?
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Own land instead?
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Just a glutton for punishment?
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