TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS

Be confident! Take charge!
Do something difficult and brave!

All are encouraging thoughts when there is a new idea to implement, however, if someone else is telling you to take the first step, YOU had better have a plan.

Simply take a very close look at the photo for this article. Literally, the average bull can weigh up to 1800 pounds. If it is docile then sure, you might be able to persuade the bull to move in the direction that you prefer, for instance if it is stepping on your foot. Easily said, if it is a subtle persuasion, but this might imply grabbing only one horn. Nevertheless, taking the bull by the horns undoubtedly entails doing something difficult. Thus, suggesting that you will be doing what is considered a bit extreme. You will be face to face with the task, staring it down in a vulnerable position, with a hand on each horn.

The thought might seem simple enough but consider Rodeo 101. On the prorodeo.com website they discuss the Steer Wrestling event in professional rodeos.

It merely states, “The objective of the steer wrestler, who is also known as a "bulldogger," is to use strength and technique to wrestle a steer to the ground as quickly as possible. That sounds simple enough. Here's the catch: the steer generally weighs more than twice as much as the cowboy and, at the time the two come together, they're both often traveling at 30 miles per hour.”

For this event in a rodeo it was mentioned that they use a steer that is generally twice the weight of the cowboy, you might guess it to weigh about 300-400 pounds. This is a far cry from a full-grown bull whose horns are formidable weapons if provoked.

If you have ever watched this event you will see that this can be a bit harsh and painful for the steer and the cowboy. Also, if you take a moment to look at the participants it is easy to see that the steer is young, and the cowboys are equally young. It isn’t likely that you will see a full-grown older bull and a middle aged to senior citizen aged cowboy in the steer wrestling event. If you give it some thought it might reveal that hopefully with age, there should be some wisdom that follows.

Giving that wisdom is defined as “the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships, good sense, accumulated philosophical or scientific learning,” an impulsive idea might urge people to act, but wisdom could benefit those involved. How many times would you put your hand in a fire before you understood that it is not the best course of action?
(merriam-webster.com.)

If there is a hierarchy in the workplace and ideas need to be presented up the chain of command, then if you intend to follow the protocol of that system it is wise to find the best plan that will create the intended results.

If you have an idea, you can present part of it, but hold the proprietary information that sets your idea apart from the ideas of the upper level management. You want to ensure that you are a necessary part of the scheme. Adversely, if others see you as stirring up trouble, then you might find yourself on a difficult career path. On the website garlikov.com they describe a Greek legend. “In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a brilliant rascal who sometimes played tricks on the gods to get what he wanted. He even used trickery to avoid death. Finally, the gods had enough and condemned Sisyphus to eternal hard labor -- his punishment: rolling a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down to the bottom each time he finally gets it to the top. It was intended to be not only difficult labor, but frustratingly futile, unrewarding, repetitive labor. The toil of Sisyphus is a metaphor for all difficult and repetitive labor that is frustrating and unrewarding.”

This legend is said to be painted on “…vases from the 6th century BCE showing Sisyphus” and “The myth returns in popularity during the 4th century BCE…” (ancient.eu).

Most likely being punished with frustrating and unrewarding work might not be how a typical job is set up. It would seem logical though to make sure that you have a plan in place when someone encourages you to tell the boss what you think or how the company could operate better with your idea.

There is an old Scottish saying, “The full proverb is, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. This is a passage from the poem To a Mouse, written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1786.” (grammerist.com).

Think things through. Write a plan and consider it thoroughly. Taking the bull by the horns could be impetuous and self-defeating. It could create unwanted, added frustrations. Consider option other than taking the bull by the horns.

With a modern original thought, I wondered,

What Might Shakespeare Say?

Is it while in the womb, before the light of day has yet to touch the soft cheeks of a newborn babe that wisdom is bestowed upon a man?

Is it through the familiarity of men of old somehow one gains insight?

Nay, tis for the perceptive man that wisdom is obtainable,
yet not through possession alone doth he prove to be wise.

For out of conscious decision of thought
and one’s careful scheme whilst a plan develop.

Subsequently, if the partaker chose to act upon thus idea,
with either malfunction or triumph being the conclusion of things,

then further wisdom doth provide the bearer with future alternatives.

Tis for the paltry of thought and uncomplicated in aspiration,
that their lack of forbearance will lead inexorably again to their actuality and absent from their perception of what should have been.

Taking hold of the beast’s horns to galvanize your ascendancy

Doth tempt outcome as the deliverer to intervene amid wisdom and folly.

(KWR-jamboza.com)



Referenced Article

https://www.prorodeo.com/prorodeo/rodeo/rodeo101/steer-wrestling

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom

http://www.garlikov.com/philosophy/Sisyphus.html

https://www.ancient.eu/sisyphus/

https://grammarist.com/proverb/best-laid-plans/