Increase the Temperature you increase the pressure.

 

OUCH!

It has been difficult to focus on anything other than the heat.  Last week we had a couple days of moderate heat.  You know it is a summer cold front in Texas when you get excited about 90 degree temperatures!  Other than these few days of moderate heat we have consistently maintained triple digit heat and even set a few records.  Living in the north we had what we called the February blahs.  This malady occurred after extended periods of January cold spells that forced most people to stay indoors.  By February you experienced enough time indoors.  So much so that you were tired of being indoors.  Here in the south the same could be true about August.  Instead of escaping the cold by staying indoors you sheltered from the heat using your air conditioning.  So welcome to the August Blahs!

This heat has made it difficult on focusing on a topic for the week.  The heat is making it difficult to objective assess any particular event or topic.  Sure we can stay safe by staying indoors and drinking plenty of liquids (of course water is best).  These precautions will allow us to survive and accomplish minimal tasks, such as groceries and day to day chores.  According to the WFAA Facebook page yesterday marked the 38th 100 degree day for the Dallas area.  That would make today the 39th.  Looking at the forecast there will be several more days, specifically 8 more according to msn.com.  Monday the 28th of August is forecasted to be 99 degrees.  We will have to wait and see how that pans out.

This has me thinking about two elements.  The first is relatively minor and something I blogged about a couple of weeks ago.  That would be our selective memory.  Last year we had 47 days of 100 plus degree heat.  We will probably surpass that this year however it does indicate that this year is not radically different than previous years.  I think currently 2023 ranks in the lower top ten of hottest summers and given the forecast it will probably end up in the top 5 (just my prediction).  The summers of 1980 and 2011 seem to be the benchmarks for hottest summers.  Last year ranks in the top 5.  So comparatively as bad as it seems we have been through worse.  As I posted a couple weeks ago we have selective memories to aid in decision making.

Secondly and more importantly I began to think about making decisions under pressure.  This constant heat and being trapped indoors adds pressure to any decision we are attempting to make.  What is the best approach to making decisions under pressure?  Anyone can google "making decisions under pressure" but, here are some of my thoughts.

The first thing I would do is determine if the pressure was real and not manufactured.  If you have bought a car before you have probably experienced manufactured pressure.  Usually the salesperson will pressure you by telling you the "deal" is for a limited time and will not be available unless you sign now.  Chances are that this is not true and there will be plenty of deals available.  I did once have to get a car quickly.  I was working in a factory taking the bus to work.  I got a new job that required a car.  So I had 2 weeks to purchase a car.  I did not need a "status" car just something reliable.  I was able to get your basic box on wheels.  Wheels, engine, radio and AC.  Not fancy just something to get me to client sites.

What if you are truly under pressure.  My first thought would be to decide if I can delay the decision until the pressure eases.  The pressure may be external to the current decision and may require a different set of actions to alleviate it.  Once the external pressure is controlled you can then focus on the previous decision.  If deferring the decision is not an option quickly dealing with the source of the external pressure may be an option.  The main idea here is to not let the pressure be a distraction to the main decision.  Assuming you have done some analysis previously you should have a goal for the decision and some basic plan of action already mapped out.  Do not let the source of the pressure derail the goal or plan.

Going on the assumption that you have analyzed the decision, what should you do if the pressure is directly affecting the decision process.  Again assuming you have analyzed the factors pertaining to the decision you should be able to determine how the pressure event is altering your process.  Are the elements of the decision being stressed or is the time frame being compressed?  Has a deadline been moved up for a work project?  If so then you may have to throw more resources at it.  It may just be a case of some extra overtime to complete it.

Probably the worst case is when the pressure source alters both the elements and time frame.  This can have serious negative affects on our decisions.  If I look at the previous example of buying a car for a new job.  What if I was told to purchase more of a "status" car?  Or since the company I was going to had significant ties to the auto industry I was given a list of  "acceptable" vehicles to choose from.  This was not an unheard of practice back in the day.  These pressures would have limited my choices and made the purchase of a vehicle much more difficult.  At this point you would probably need to alter other things in your life.  Purchasing a more expensive vehicle would possibly mean cutting back on other expenses.  Limiting the make and model of vehicles may require more time shopping for a car.

A big part of these changes however is your attitude.  If things have changed and you are behind the eight ball with limited options you may just have to accept it.  Not to beat a dead horse but if I use the car example again;  you drive by the lot and see that it is full of cars.  I mean really full, new cars everywhere!  You are probably in a position to make a favorable deal.  Lots of inventory means motivated sellers.  You go by another time and the lot is half empty.  This means low inventory and you are probably going to have to accept a deal more favorable to the seller.  Just how life is sometimes.  Being realistic about your situation is failure it is just how to deal with things.  Especially things not in your control.

I started this post referencing the temperature, mostly because I have to make decisions regarding our AC, roof and insulation.  This summer's weather has not been helpful in those decisions.  I would like to defer any costs until our vacation in September/October.  So please Karma AC gods spare me of any AC issues until then!!!!

This weeks forecast

A little cooler