Monday, February 1, 2016

Irrational Decisions Lead to Rational Outcomes

When discussing whether or not a persons decisions are rational or irrational, I couldn't help but think about my Dad.

In 2008, my dad; Buck Brannaman, received an honorary Doctorate from Montana State University in Equine Science, an honor reserved for those who excel in the world long after their college life has ended. Yet, unlike most of the candidates; my dad was a college drop out.

What is a rational decision? what is an irrational decision? the difference between the two entirely depends on the individual and whatever God has planned for them in the future. The saying "Hind site is 20/20" couldn't be more true.

My dad was a 4.0 student in the College of Business at MSU majoring in Accounting, even though he knew he would never be a desk jockey punching numbers into an adding machine all day, he still set the goal for himself. He put himself through college, riding 14 colts (young horses) a day and struggling to pay for school let alone a place to live. His horse training business began to boom and the young cowboy from gallatin gateway, began to make a name for himself. He attended a Ray Hunt Clinic (who became his longtime mentor and father figure) which set him on a path that he couldn't turn back around on. He pursued his education in the form of his dreams and talents.

His last semester, his advisor (we won't be mentioning any names) invited him into his office and told him in a round about way; you will never be an accountant... pursue your talents.

Lucky for my dad, He listened.

He dumped his books in the trash can outside Reid hall. and never came back.

Now the question is; Was his decision rational?
In hindsite, yes.
At the time, I would have advised against it. But that doesn't change the end result, just because it was the best decision for him at the time, doesn't mean that for anyone else it would have worked out.  It all depends on who? what? when? and why? and in the end, you can't control it anyways.

30 years later; me, his daughter was starting my college career in the same spot that my dad ended his. Looking up at Reid Hall, I looked at dad and jokingly said; "Maybe i'll just drop out and get an honorary one like you..."

Lets just say that I don't think he saw the humor in it.


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