Shortcuts or Cutting Corners?

With experience comes wisdom. With wisdom comes the inevitable shortcut. It is how the “older folks” get so much done. It is seen almost everywhere, especially in the trades. A shortcut can save both time and money. It could take the form of a template, a jig, or just the way you hold a tool. It is a way of increasing production, without sacrificing quality.

Then there is cutting corners. It can be much like a shortcut, but usually leaves something out that is perceived as “not necessary”. It is where the old adage “close enough for government work” comes from. Most of the time things work out OK. Yet sometimes, it can be disastrous.

I recently set up a 5 gallon freshwater tank to house a kind of colorful, red shrimp.  My son and I were out yesterday window shopping at a local aquarium store. There they were – pretty, lemon yellow shrimp. He asked if I wanted to get some for the tank. Yes! I wanted some, but I knew I should not get them right now.

Anyone who has set up freshwater tanks knows (or should know) that the tank needs to cycle before It can be stocked with all its different inhabitants. My tank was still cycling and the few shrimp I had in it were at the safe limit. I might have gotten away with it. Yet I have seen my share of tank disasters, some at the hands of others - some at my own hands. I decided not to chance it. Even though these shrimp are not the more expensive, deep red kind I will eventually get, I like the little guys too much. It is not worth the risk.

            How often do we cut corners in our daily lives? Do we take our relationships for granted and spend important time on our own selfish desires? Do we neglect our children’s emotional needs because we figure they will turn out all right anyway? Are we cutting corners when it comes to our physical or spiritual health? Each person needs to decide for themselves. Shortcuts or cutting corners. Which is it for you?