4 | I Didn't Sign Up for That!

A friend of a friend who is an avid cyclist and extreme mountain biker recently broke both elbows in an accident.

Two slings. Restricted movement. Weeks of disrupted eating, dressing, sleeping, bathing, and everything else.

In reflecting on the accident, the friend of a friend said something along the lines of, "Yeah, it's sort of what I signed up for."

I am certain he hadn't listed all the potential downsides of extreme biking, but he clearly knew they existed.

I am also certain he will be back on the trails soon rather than later.

It's easy to see all the upsides on the front end of the decision, and bemoan the downsides when things inevitably fall apart.

Getting paid a salary feels secure and comforting. You're also signing up for uncertainty during lay-off season, needing approval for vacation time, and micro-management that is a little tighter than you might like.

Buying the cheapest option feels frugal and responsible. You're also signing up for functionality that might disappoint you, perpetual jealousy towards "better" alternatives, or sooner than expected maintenance.

Running a household with no cash in the bank feels efficient and return-maximizing. You're also signing up for a sleepless night or two wondering where you'll find your next dollar or having to say "no" to something when you'd like it to be an automatic "yes".

Owning stock in companies feels thrilling and glamorous. You're also signing up for moments of paralyzing fear about the future viability of the company or someone picking a better company than you.

The "falling apart" is inevitable.

Being able to acknowledge that you signed up for it is a superpower.