Every so often I like to sit back and assess things in life that I consider to be underrated, and equally things which are just plain and simple overrated. If we understand the value of something, we can measure things up against expectation. That's my measured approach to a lot of things which helps me balance my emotions. Some may say that is overrated. Here are five things that I currently think are over and underrated.
The Underrated
Ireland
After spending the 4 days travelling around Ireland at the end
of June, I can say that in all my travels, I have never come across such
amazing friendliness and customer service as this trip. From the Hotel owners
who made bacon sandwiches, put the Lions Rugby on, and ironed my shirt for the
wedding, to the car rental gent who drove us to the hotel rather than the
airport, nothing was too much for them. Well and truly spoiled.
RnR
Sleep should be in the overrated column as most of my 2 blog
readers are aware of, but Rest and Relaxation is firmly underrated. Taking the
time out of a busy schedule to recharge the good old batteries is essential,
and one thing I have been learning to do more recently.
Reading
I am probably scribbling this to the wrong audience as
you're reading right now, but one thing I tell myself and need to action is to
start reading more consistently. A case of finding the time, but I am trying to
commit to 30 minutes every day.
Weather Forecasts
Planning for any weather is sensible, but it's a tough old
game. Was lucky enough to have a great day (some would say 'the' rather than
'a') for a fabulous wedding in Ireland, but expecting good weather these days
is a mug's game. Some of the extreme weather conditions recently have been
crazy, and it makes me wonder what it will be like in some 10 or 20 years. I
have spared several thoughts for folks in Calgary after the crazy weather there
– I sincerely hope and expect the city has rebounded with a sensational
Stampede.
Depression
Watching Clarke Carlisle’s superb documentary about
depression and suicide in football was a fair eye-opener. As I scribbled a few
months ago, I genuinely believe that the biggest area of high performance in sport
for potential growth is psychology. If you haven’t seen it, find an illegal
download or something. (Oh and piracy may be one of the biggest threats to
sport!)
The Overrated
Early Early Flights
I don't mind getting up early, and I don't mind flying. I
have had a couple of 6.30am flights recently, and that meant waking up at
stupid o'clock. It is one thing to have to get up early morning, it is another
to have to wake up through the night. That moment of rubbing my eyes and then
putting my contact lenses in is grim to say the least.
Travel Agents
Does anybody even use them anymore? I haven't since I was something
like 17 and it is unlikely I will do so again. I guess it is a convenience
thing, but I just think if you're willing to do the research yourself, you'll
find better options that way. Exchanging money is another one - withdrawing the
money on your debit card in the country when you land often has a way better
exchange rate than at the Travel Agents.
Sci-fi movies
I actually started writing this blog in a cinema watching
'After Earth'. Not my cup of tea as my mum would say. If anybody you know
suggests going to watch this movie, you should defriend them on Facebook and
potentially in life in general. You would only thank me for it if you knew.
Friendlies
Friendly people are fine, but friendly matches in football
are an absolute nonsense to me. They serve a purpose (more than internationals
at least) for building fitness and cohesion in a match environment, but I have
little time for watching them. Now that so many of them are televised due to
the thirst for live action, it sensationalises David Moyes’ first loss as Man
Utd manager etc. Who cares?
P4P
Last year, if you have the inclination to re-read any of my
blogs, I predicted Tim Bradley would beat Manny Pacquiao. I was lucky and it
was a horrendously poor decision. However, I am going to predict a couple more.
I think Canelo Alvarez gives Floyd Mayweather as tough a test as any fighter has
given Floyd in his career. He may not necessarily beat him, but it would not
surprise me. I will also go on record as saying Johny Hendricks will beat GSP
in Vegas in November. As much as I have absolutely loved watching Manny, Floyd,
Anderson Silva and GSP in recent years, I fear their time is coming to an end.
Rob,
ReplyDeleteInteresting thoughts - a couple of mine. The forecasting of weather has improved remarkably over the past 30 - 40 years. Whereas, in the 1970s the high temp forecast missed by average of 6 degrees F, now it is down to 3 degrees. More successful hurricane, lightning and other extreme weather predictions have also taken place.
They have done this by recognising the fallibility of just using data. More and more data is not enough alone to improve accuracy, the inputs of experts is vital - for example 25% better in terms of precipitation forecasting with expert input.
Everyone tends to beat up the weatherman and he is still wrong a lot of the time, but he is getting better!
As an aside, the fallibility in forecasting is important to consider when thinking about all kinds of metrics, from Sport to the Economy. Too much certainty is placed on these forecasts.
The second point I wanted to mention was the point on Psychology in Sport. I fully agree with your point and people like Steve Peters have started to popularise this, both from the perspective of improving an individual's performance and improving their general state of mind. The pressure on people to achieve in life is heightened in moments in sport and more focus must be given to these effects. I haven't seen the documentary yet but I intend to - Trescothick autobiography was a seminal work on this and more have followed. It is welcome as Depression and mental illness must continue to be much less of a stigma.
Cheers,
Clive (7 edition)
p.s. would be interested to hear more about your new company...