11 Tips You Can Learn From Crossing a Road That Will Help You In Decision Making

Lagosians crossing the road

I live in a country where the business of keeping alive isn't any easy. Everyday we come across risk and various challenges, the attitude we have towards them goes a long way in determining how successful we will become.

Success as an achievement does not grow on trees, this mean that we all have to be deliberate in our approach. These approach are expressed best in our choices and decisions.

I want to share some insights that will help you in decision making. I got these insights from a simple task - crossing a road. I hope you acquire better perspective when making decisions using something as simple as crossing a road.

Here are few lessons you can learn.

1. Always walk opposite traffic: This implies that you should be facing an on coming vehicle. This way you get to know what is coming ahead of you.
Application -be proactive. Proactive people don't wait for things to happen, they make things happen. They are always prepared because they are visionary and not afraid to take the bull by the horn.

2. When crossing, look left , right then left again: Life decisions carry both opportunities and consequences. Your success lies in your ability to spot either the threats or opportunities before you.
 Application - when taking a decision, consider carefully its disadvantage, advantage then disadvantage again. Don't be in a rush, consider carefully and wisely.

3. Never cross with the crowd, do it independently: By this, I mean if you find yourself among friends or a group, don't hold someone or allow someone hold you to cross the road. The exceptions to this is if you are walking with an older person or someone who stopped moving vehicles for the group to cross.
Application - you should make your decisions alone, don't let someone else drag you or make any decision for you. The bottom line is that, You Are Your Responsibility. The exception to this is when you have a more experienced person to guide you (mentor) or if your decision will affect a number of persons.

4 When crossing, dictate the pace: This is one of my special rule. To dictate pace means that you should be in charge when crossing. Don't allow any driver hurry you or hush you. Tell the driver what you want, signal the driver if you want him/her to stop, slow or keep driving.
Application -  don't allow circumstance determine your life. Those who wait for fate or luck rarely become successful. Your life is actually in your own hands.

5. After crossing, stay as far from the road as possible: Normally when you cross a road you may end up backing traffic or trending the same direction as the vehicles. To avoid the risk of accidents, stay farther away from traffic.
Application - things may backfire, protect yourself by staying away from risk.

6. Allow the person facing traffic stay closer the road than you: When traveling on a road, always allow those travelling opposite traffic walk closer to the road. The person walking opposite traffic has the advantage of seeing what's coming up behind you.
Application - look out for proactive people, don't be afraid of criticism. You will not be right all the time. Observe and learn from how others succeeded. they will give you signals of dangers behind you.

7. Take advantage of road signals: Signs like zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges and traffic light are there  to help make crossing easier for you, don't ignore them.
Application - if there is an easy way out, you can go for that. Care is still needed though, some drivers don't know the meaning of some of these signs.

8. When crossing, pick a spot to cross form: It is very unwise to just run across a road undecided. Before you cross a road, take your time and pick a spot. Vehicles are more likely to stop for you if they see you standing at a spot with the intent of crossing.
Application - don't be hasty in making decisions. Make a choice and stick with it. People and life generally respect someone who knows what he/she wants. They may even be willing to help.

9.When moving with a younger persons or a lady, courtesy demands that you keep them away from moving vehicles: If you ever get to travel with someone younger or a lady, show some courtesy - keep them off the road.
Application - as a leader, the onus rests on you to take full charge of circumstance. Be prepared to bear responsibility and risk as a leader.

10. When you cross successfully be grateful: Sometimes crossing may become a difficult task. If you do get across, remember to thank the driver and move on.
Application - some people may not be that lucky, be thankful you made it through and be ready to offer help to those who would need it, especially information.

11. When cars won't stop for you, plunge on and make them halt, (especially in a traffic jam):  Some drivers may be unwilling to stop especially when there is a heavy traffic.
Application - at times life seems to be moving so slow or uncertain. When you seem not to understand things again , take a bold step of faith, plunge on ahead. You may be shocked to see life settling to your pace.

There you are, hope you would consider these suggestions when next you have to make a decision. Life can look so difficult, but if you are willing to take the risk and not be afraid of failing, you are definitely on a path to excellence.