Awareness, Intuition, and The Call

Check out my latest at the Partial Observer. Excerpt:

The "don't risk everything on one play" philosophy appeals to our very survival instincts. When in immediate danger, take the course to get out of it. When in a jam, buy time. Live for another day. When it's 4th-and-2 on your own 28, punt.

The "percentages" philosophy plays into our intellect. Our instincts may say the safest course is one way, but with knowledge and understanding, we see that there might be a better way. Sometimes the mind says "charge" when the instinct says "retreat." Sometimes the percentages say "go for it" and the instinct says punt. This manifests itself in a variety of situations. The fear of failure invites cautious action in a situation even when bold action will more likely bring success.