Use ALL available information

Sometimes the most important lessons come from the closest calls. This is the story of how ignoring local advice nearly cost me my life on a Greek beach, and why I now believe you should always listen to ALL available information.

The Setup

I had arrived early on a Greek island for an apartment rental that wouldn't be ready for a few days. Rather than find expensive accommodation, I decided to camp on the beach - a decision that would prove nearly fatal.

The local ex-pat community had rather colorfully described my appearance as looking like "a priest with syphilis" - not exactly flattering, but I was more focused on my budget accommodation solution than local opinions.

The Warning

An ex-pat named Annie Basson approached me with a warning about an approaching storm. She was clearly concerned and advised me to find proper shelter. Being young and perhaps overly confident in my camping abilities, I dismissed her concerns.

This was my first critical mistake: ignoring local knowledge and experience.

The Storm

What started as manageable weather quickly escalated into something far more dangerous. The waves began progressively destroying my tent, each one more powerful than the last.

Then came the massive wave that changed everything. It broke my tent poles and pinned me down, trapping me in what had become a water-filled fabric prison. For a terrifying moment, I thought this might be how my story ended.

Survival Mode

Somehow, I managed to drag the remains of my tent to a nearby goat-shed. With the storm raging around me, I started a small fire using rubbing alcohol - anything to stay warm and dry in that primitive shelter.

The next morning, an old goat-herder named Mitsos found me. His expression said everything: he clearly thought he would be finding a body, not a survivor.

The Lesson

Yes – it is ALWAYS listen to ALL the available information.

This whole situation could have been so much worse – and it also could have been completely avoided. Annie Basson wasn't just making conversation; she was sharing critical local knowledge that could have saved me from a life-threatening situation.

Local people understand local conditions in ways that visitors cannot. They've seen patterns, experienced storms, and know what signs to watch for. Dismissing their advice isn't just arrogant - it can be dangerous.

Risk and Growth

Does this mean we should never take risks or push our boundaries? Absolutely not. Challenging ourselves and stepping outside our comfort zones is essential for growth and discovery.

But there's a difference between calculated risks and reckless ignorance. Taking risks while gathering and considering all available information is smart. Ignoring warnings because they don't fit our plans is foolish.

Information Sources

The lesson extends far beyond camping and travel. In business, relationships, and life decisions, we're constantly surrounded by information sources:

• Local experts and experienced people
• Historical data and patterns
• Environmental and situational cues
• Instincts and gut feelings
• Warning signs we might prefer to ignore

The key is to listen to all of them, weigh the information, and make informed decisions rather than wishful ones.

The Broader Principle

Whether you're starting a business, making an investment, planning an adventure, or making any significant decision, seek out and listen to all available information. This doesn't mean becoming paralyzed by analysis, but it does mean respecting the knowledge and experience of others.

Sometimes the person giving you advice might look unremarkable or say things you don't want to hear. Listen anyway. They might just save your life - literally or figuratively.

The storm taught me that survival often depends not on how tough you are, but on how smart you are about gathering and using information. It's a lesson I've never forgotten.

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