It’s hard to compare whether the grass is greener on the other side, when both sides are covered with snow.
In plain words:
Those contemplating change often operate with massively incomplete information, especially during a darker, tougher time, aka, the winter season. An icy cold exterior hides — temporarily — the long-term value potential of any given option. This is a classic problem of risk management… and a ready source of opportunity for those who can navigate it well.
Extended Metaphor Mix:
(with special thanks to the FB Peanut Gallery)
Potential Lesson #1: BE PATIENT.
If you’re willing to wait until spring, things should be clearer to figure out.
Counter-point #1: DON’T MISS OUT.
Sometimes you only get a certain window of opportunity to act, especially when there is competition for the thing that you want. The market handsomely rewards those willing to take on calculated risk… so perhaps there is a way to reduce uncertainty, or at least hedge against an unexpected/unwanted outcome.
Potential Lesson #2: FOLLOW THE INTEREST, ABILITY AND AMBITION.
The side that thaws first — usually the sunnier side — has the advantage. So too when your options include a human element, e.g. choosing between two potential business partners, employers, employees, etc… gauge their level of ability and willingness.
Counter-point #2: LOOK BELOW THE SURFACE.
The sun is not the only thing that thaws the ground. Sometimes, it’s the side over the septic tank that thaws first. Great skills and attitude do not necessarily a good partner make. Watch out for selfishness and negative pride… you want a person who is externally focused and giving.
Potential Lesson #3 : FOLLOW NATURE’S EXAMPLE (?)
“Nature doesn’t distinguish between the green and the less green.” – Nareg
Counter-point #3: …
I’m not exactly sure what you’re trying to say here, Nareg. You might be talking about non-attachment / non-seeking of any side… or you might just be blowing-up the metaphor in some other way…
Potential Lesson #4: THE ANSWER IS INEVITABLY THE OTHER SIDE:
“I read an article once that claimed the grass is, in fact, greener on the other side. Why? Because grass appears more green when viewed from the general angle one is at when looking next door verses looking down at one’s own grass.” – Jamie
Counter-point #4: DO THE BEST YOU CAN.
There is no counter-point here… except perhaps to walk on both sides, dig through the snow, and compare the experiences directly, which brings us to the next potential lesson…
Potential Lesson #5: ACQUIRE BOTH YARDS.
If you acquire both yards, whichever one is greener is the one you can keep, once the snow thaws. Or you can keep ‘em both indefinitely.
Counter-point #5: CAN YOU EVEN DO THAT?
You may not have the resources or rights to acquire and hold onto both.
Editorial Comment:
It’s reassuring to know that my backyard garden can still be a source of inspiration, even when it’s dormant.
Looking forward to planting season…
Filed under: Analytics, Career, Learning, Life, Management, Metaphors, Negotiation, photography, Risk Management
“Nature doesn’t distinguish between the green and the less green.” – Nareg
= winter happens to the rich (greener) and the poor (not green).
nature doesnt distinguish between good or bad.
nature just is.
winter happens.
Nicely done, Sensei.
Yes, I loved the hands! Both sides now!
You’d also like to know that they were derived from some sketches by Vincent van Gogh — a relentless series of studies he did for The Potato Eaters.
Yes, I do appreciate that fact! Thanks again!
[...] Venn Diagram Logic: It may be true that the set of things worthwhile to your heart and soul [set A] are a subset of the things that elicit fear and self-doubt [set B]. However, all things that elicit fear and self-doubt [set B] are not necessarily a subset of things worthwhile to your heart and soul [set A]. This makes all the advice in this post slightly more difficult to follow, doesn’t it? A recent attempt at solving this challenge is posted here: Comparing Grass Under the Snow [...]