Say It Out Loud

This is a game I've been playing the past couple weeks. The game is "Say It Out Loud," and it's quite simple. Basically, if you're in a situation and you don't know what to do, say it out loud. If you need to make a decision, say it out loud. Saying it out loud helps make sense of the pros and cons.

A semi-humorous example:

My old roommate Ryan is a really intelligent guy who says whatever he thinks. Some of the things he says are ridiculous, and that always makes for fun conversation. One day I walked in and Ryan was sitting on the couch watching tv and he told me about 'a brilliant idea' he had.

When Ryan says this, I always listen. I listen because his ideas are always interesting. However, my most common response to his ideas is "Ryan, that's a terrible idea." And we proceed to debate and discuss.

Anyway, Ryan told me that he was going to become a millionaire. When I asked how he was going to make that happen, he told me that he was going to gain 200 pounds and go on the tv show The Biggest Loser.

"Ryan, that's a terrible idea."

While we both agreed that it might be fun to sit and play video games and eat tons of food, I was surprised to hear him say it. Ryan loves being active - he's always doing something: mountain biking, basketball, tennis, snowboarding. After talking with him a little more, he realized that he liked his life too much the way it was, and decided not to change it.

This isn't a story to make fun of Ryan. He's going to be my best man, and he isn't an idiot - this guy is intelligent. Saying it out loud helped him see the situation more clearly. But I think that everyone gets excited about ideas or thoughts that they have. I think we get too excited about our thoughts, and that's why we need to say it out loud. I don't know why, but saying stuff out loud helps me to organize my thoughts and it helps me to think more clearly.

"I'm going to eat this whole bag of beef jerky. Ya know, I just said it out loud, and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Yes it tastes good, but if I'm that hungry I might as well make myself an actual meal."

"I want to play xbox...but you know what, my xbox will still be there after I do my laundry and get my other work done."

"I just got paid and I can't wait to buy some new clothes. Actually, Adam, you have a closet full of clothes. Save your money because you'll need it more when you're married (in three months!!!).

"I want to sleep in another 30 minutes. Well, since you got some stuff done yesterday, it wouldn't be a problem to sleep in."

Here's one I've heard on campus a few times: "This weekend I just want to get drunk and forget everything that happened." You said it out loud...how does that make any sense? This is where we need to make good decisions before doing the things we want to do.

Seriously, this is a good game. It's fun to play by yourself or with a group of friends. While it's fun to think of ridiculous things to 'say out loud,' it's also good practice for making responsible decisions.