Has guessing ever gotten you in trouble? It's definitely been problematic for me. Instead of just guessing, you should strive to be precise in life. As difficult and abstract as that may seem, it's pretty simple to do. Here are a few examples when estimating can get you in deep trouble.
Air pressure
Tire air pressure matters. Whether you're driving a truck, a car, or a bicycle, you must be precise about your air pressure. Incorrect pressure can cause flat tires, blowouts, poor handling, and other problems. I learned this one the hard way with my road bike. My air pressure guess was about 80 psi too low.
If you don't have a pressure gauge, buy one. And if you don't know how to use it, learn. Here's a handy tutorial that explains the process for cars. Bicyclists can read this tutorial. While you're at it, don't forget other routine car maintenance.
Bank balances
Overdraft protection is for emergencies, not because you always guess your account balance. If you don't have a bank account system and precisely monitor it, you're asking for trouble. With online account access and money management programs, there is no excuse for poor account management.
A big key here is to find a system that works for you. Jay shared his bank system, and there are lots of other tips online. At the very least, learn how to balance your checkbook.
The kitchen
Maybe some cooks can guess cooking times or temperatures, but I can't. For most of us, it's best to precisely follow recipes and directions. If you don't, you could end up with burnt dinner or food poisoning. Neither sounds good to me.
For cooking meats, you can check out these handy cooking time charts. And don't forget that food can spoil in the freezer.
School work
If you're still in school, you can't forget the importance of precision. You have to select the proper answers on exams, and you also have to select the best words when writing. Guessing can get you by on occasion, but studying hard and being precise is the best route.
Now that school is back in full swing, be sure to keep your enthusiasm going. Since studying is the major key to precision in school, check out these study guides.
Work projects
No boss wants employees who simply guess. Employers demand correct answers, well-done projects, and precise work. This includes everything from grammar and spell-checking to carefully following directions. Precision in the workplace is the only way to keep yourself employed and earn advancement.
To ensure precise work, you have to keep your focus. And it never hurts to figure out ways to hack your work.
Communication skills
How many fights have started over a simple miscommunication? If you're married, you know what I mean. Everyone is better off when people speak and listen precisely. This entails choosing your words carefully, thinking before you speak, and asking for clarification before responding.
There are lots of online tips for effective communication, and you can even learn how to read people. Don't forget about email etiquette, or IM etiquette since both are common areas of misunderstanding.
Andrew Flusche writes about law and productivity at Legal Andrew. One popular article is Facebook Isn’t Private, and 7 Other Things You Should Know.
6 Places Where Precision Matters
