Christmas is here again, and with it, the end of another year. My wife and I find ourselves in a new home, surrounded by boxes that need to be unpacked full of things we should have purged long ago. To say we’re tired of moving would be an understatement (4th move in 4 years)! We both keep saying this will be our last move – seriously!

As usual, I like to close out the year with a topic that is different from the other issues. This year, I have chosen to share with you some of the favorite lines that I used over the years to reinforce a point about which I am passionate. I will share the line and then give you some of my comments for its application.

1. What is common sense is not common practice.

This is probably my favorite line of all, which is why I feature it on my website. I cannot begin to tell you how often it comes to mind during the course of my work and personal life. I’m sure if you stopped to think about the actions that people around you take, when compared with their stated objectives, you would agree that what they do simply doesn’t make sense most of the time. I am convinced that the root of most problems is a lack of common sense.

2. Dress me slowly because I’m in a hurry.

This was a line that my mom used to tell me when I was young as I rushed to get ready for school, or some other function. It is attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte who, as legend has it, would tell his “dresser” to be methodical when preparing him for a battle, or an important appearance.

Lately I’ve been dealing with numerous service folks in our home taking care of punch list items, or to fix work that was not done correctly. In most cases it appears that the work was not completed properly as a result of the rush to finish the original construction. In all cases the amount of work required to correct the defect far exceeded the time and effort that should have been taken to do it right the first time.

I like to tell people all the time that the only thing we do in a hurry is make mistakes!

3. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

One of my pet peeves lately has been the overabundant use of technology, especially in situations where it is not necessary, or when the potential for problems could outweigh the benefits.

An example of this is our new refrigerator; which has a Keurig dispenser built into a door panel (accessible from the outside, like you dispense water, or ice). At first my wife and I thought “what a great idea”. But, we have realized after using it for a while that this novelty doesn’t come without some drawbacks (less space inside, a slow heating time, the need to go through added steps to dispense, and of course the potential for more frequent repairs to the appliance). Besides all this, we both prefer “cafe con leche” brewed in our espresso machine anyway!

I’m sure if you look around at many of the new products, or what are promoted as “technological improvements” to existing products, you will see additional examples of this phenomenon and agree with me that “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”.

A HOLIDAY GREETING

As another year ends, I pause to reflect on our increasingly busy world. I think of the good fortune I’ve had, and the wonderful bonds I’ve created with friends throughout the years. I am filled with gratitude!

I hope that this holiday season you will take stock of your blessings and give thanks as well. I extend my most sincere wishes for your good health, family relations, and profitable business in the coming year!

Finally, I would also like to thank those of you I may have been able to serve this past year for trusting me with your business challenges, and those who have invited me into their businesses to present one of my educational seminars.

In humble gratitude, and with my warmest personal regards,

Paco Farach

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year !

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