Extrapolating the benefits

​

My client Henry was surprised at how quickly I made a decision (on November 19th, 2022) to move to Bogota, Colombia (from Medellin). In the process of spending two days in Bogota I was able to get enough information to make an informed choice about whether to move there or stay in Medellin. He was also surprised that the move will be complete by Monday, December 5th.

​

He shared that his tendency would be to delay and maybe not move ahead unless his current living circumstance became too uncomfortable.

​

"I have enough information and a good enough feeling to move to Bogota now."

​

I can say that living in Medellin is fine. There is no big discomfort here. However, when I compare it to living in Bogota, Bogota will be better for me in several different ways. 

​

Yes, I could delay. I could save some money if I waited until my current lease expires so I could get my deposit back. But, using the process of extrapolation, for everyday I live in Medellin rather than Bogota I will be missing out on those Bogota benefits...which could even add up to missing those benefits for the "rest of my life"!

​

This is an example of "extrapolating the benefits" in order to make a good decision.

​

Extrapolating the costs

​

In 1996 I was living with my Japanese wife Yuko. We had both tried our best to work through our difficulties, using both the technology of Landmark Education and with several relationship counselors, with no lasting success. 

​

Everything was "okay" day by day. I could, with relative ease, continue to live with her another day. There was no crisis to force a decision. But then I imagined what my life would like if I continued to live with her indefinitely or for the rest of my life. Not living with her, even if I never had another woman in my life, occurred as much more enjoyable than continuing to live with her. By extrapolating the costs, I was able to make a clear and more grounded choice. And each day that I delayed and continued to live with her would mean another day I would not be enjoying a better life.

​

"When I think of continuing to be with her indefinitely, it becomes so obvious that ending my marriage is the best choice."

​

The day that I moved out of the house and into my own place was one of the happiest days of my life. To this day, I am thankful to that former Dwight who choose the courage to say "goodbye." It was big courage for me since I had to confront my identity of "being a good guy" (good guys don't leave their woman, right?).

​

I made a new commitment to have a great divorce with Yuko. It turned out to be even better than I thought it would.

​

Extrapolating cost and benefits day-for-day

​

Pay $600 for a cat when I can easily adopt an abandoned one for free! Why would I do that?!

​

I bought Smokey, a ragdoll, in June when she was just one month old. Why would I lay out $600, when I could be a good samaritan and rescue an abandoned cat at no cost? 

 

Ragdolls have a temperament that is unparalleled in other cats. The are quiet, super cuddly, friendly, purr instantly when you touch them, and have none of the skittishness or shyness that other cats generally have. When a stranger walks into my home, Smokey instantly rubs affectionately against their legs, begging for attention.

​

"Even though she costs $600, it's the deal of the century because that's only 16 cents a day!"

​

Cats typically live for fifteen to eighteen years. Let's be conservative and say that Smokey and I only get to be together for ten years. That means that having a cat that I love so much and get along with so well only costs me about 16 cents more per day than if I got a free cat.

​

What's your habit?

​

Do you have the awareness and habit to use extrapolation to help you make good life decisions?

​

​