Archive for July, 2009

One aspect of Murphy’s Law is the equivalent of “stuff happens”

What can go wrong will go wrong. Do you ever notice when you’re about to watch an important aspect of a TV program or movie that someone with you will begin to talk? Ever notice when you’re having a bad day that things get worse?

Murphy was the last name of an engineer that worked at NASA. It was said that he commented about a particular technician at the time that anything he touched went wrong. Many devices today have fail safes built into them to prevent failure. But Murphy’s Law is not just about mechanical failure but about anything that can go wrong.

However, this law can be integrated into your life to improve it.

What’s important is that this aspect of the law must be integrated into planning and expectations with backups in place should there be no “shit happens” if one wants to dramatically reduce or perhaps eliminate in many cases frustration while being productive and not helpless in situations.

1. Incorporate “stuff happens” time into planning and strategies and expectations.

2. Generate a list of backup activities that can be done should expectations not be as expected.

Example, you think of “stuff happens” scenario and everything goes smoothly so you have some extra time before your next appointment. With this extra time, since you have some backup ideas, you’re not stuck without anything to do. For example, you have a doctor’s appointment and get to the doctor’s office with plenty of time to spare but because you have a list of backup activities, e.g. brought a book with you, you have something useful to do with your extra time. Additionally you’re not frustrated.

These are some basic examples but if you start being more realistic about how Murphy’s Law is a part of reality, you’ll be much more realistic, but more happier, and successful.