The farm store had their shipment of chicks on display before people came in to pick them up and the containers became a treat to the other shoppers — many of whom gathered around to listen to the little birds and watch them peck at their food.
The display was deceiving because it made it look so simple to have a few cute little chicks of your own. People forget that those little yellow fuzz-balls will grow up into full-size chickens with additional needs, including an outdoor coop and daily feeding. Two lists helped people see that it quickly becomes an expensive venture with several “must-haves” including a heat lamp, thermometer, waterer, feeder, starter feed, shavings, and hanger. Another list provides “highly recommended” items including amprolium for coccidiosis, food-grade diatomaceous, and hydrated lime — whatever any of that is — and that’s just to get started with the chicks. The lists offset the cuteness with reality.
Sometimes projects are similar to the chicks in that they start out looking so manageable and appealing but end up being a substantial commitment. All we see in the beginning is the upside (cute birds, free eggs) but fail to consider the resources and time that must go into the process to achieve the results. We say yes to the project (buy the chicks) and then must own by default all that goes with it, when had we investigated more thoroughly upfront, we would have reassessed the value of the benefits.
The next time you become entranced with a new idea, do some homework before you jump right in. Create your own “lists” to help you understand what you are truly getting into before you begin. There is no easy way to get a golden egg.
