Sad Truths: Sometimes you just have to wait it out

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you know something is going to happen, you want to help but no matter what you do you can’t?  It can be very frustrating.

It is especially true when you become a seasoned professional or an expert in something.  When you do something for a long time you become very good at seeing patterns, trends and predicting outcomes related to what you do.  Sometimes you are able to quantify it.  You can use metrics with pretty graphs and statistics.  Other times it is simply a gut feeling you have or simple wisdom.  No matter what it is that gives you this foresight the reality is you want to do something with it. 

The problem is that no matter what knowledge or experience you have the person, group or situation you want to help needs to believe in what you say and needs to want help.  Sometimes that person or group needs to hit rock bottom before they will let you in.  Sometimes their view is different then yours and you won’t be able to change their mind.

Does it mean you stop offering? No.  Does it mean you stop trying? No.  But it does mean you may have to accept that change won’t happen short term…you may have to wait the situation out.