Identifying the red flags

Red flags are everywhere. Not just random flags we see in people’s front yard. I’m talking about the red flags that warns you when something isn’t right.

For example, a teller is making a deposit. As she counts the money, she notices the thinness of the bills and spots a defect. This red flag urges her to call her supervisor for another opinion. They conduct a few test to check if it’s authentic and together agrees on a verdict. The result: it’s counterfeit. They notify the customer. In addition, they follow protocol when these types of things happen. Filling out the proper forms, collecting the counterfeit money and reports it. Done deal.

Unfortunately, we don’t always act upon the red flags we see or feel. Sometimes we listen and other times we dismiss them. Just like we treat our alarm clocks in the wee hours of the morning. A number of times the consequences are small, but others times they are gigantic. And occasionally a price we cannot afford.

Here are a few questions to consider:

• What are the red flags telling me?
• Will it help me make better decisions?
• Am I ignoring or listening to my inner self?
• How can it help me right now?
• What am I missing?