The Most Dangerous Moment is When You Feel Safest

 I had a little "run-in" with a utility pole today.

It was a wide-open space. No other cars around. I was backing up, completely relaxed, assuming there would be a wheel stopper behind me—the kind you find in every underground garage.

There wasn't one.

That "crunch" sound was a wake-up call that had nothing to do with my bumper and everything to do with my mindset. It reminded me of a profound truth we often forget in our professional lives:

The Assumption Trap

We don’t usually fail at the complex, high-stakes tasks. Why? Because we’re alert. We’ve done the risk assessment. We’re "worried" enough to be precise.

We fail when things seem too easy. When we go on autopilot, we stop looking at the reality in front of us and start relying on the "mental map" in our heads. In my case, my mental map said “there’s always a curb here.” Reality said otherwise.

The Paradox of Worry

There’s a saying that perfectly captures this:


"If you worry, you don’t need to worry. If you don’t worry, you should worry."


• When you worry: You check your blind spots. You double-check the data. You prepare for the "what ifs." That vigilance is what keeps you safe.

• When you stop worrying: Complacency moves in. You assume the "wheel stoppers" of life and business are always there to catch you. That’s exactly when the utility pole appears out of nowhere.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s a routine project, a long-term client relationship, or just backing out of a parking spot—don’t let the lack of obvious danger lower your guard.

The moment you think, "I’ve got this, it’s simple," is the exact moment you should probably take a second look.

Stay alert, stay humble, and always check your mirrors.


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