Lilian Taruvinga
Guest Writer
There’s a Zulu saying that goes, “Hamba Juba bazokucutha pambili,” which roughly translates to “Go pigeon, you will be defeathered and eaten.” This proverb instills fear in us, making us hesitant to venture into the unknown. However, if we continue to live in fear, we may miss out on the opportunities that the unknown has to offer.
This fear of the unknown is something that affects all of us, and it can be especially intimidating when faced with a subject like data analytics. The fear of not understanding the complexities of the field can be a huge barrier to entry, preventing individuals from taking advantage of the many benefits that data analytics has to offer.
But what if we were to ask ourselves, “what could go wrong?” This simple question can help us to shift our perspective, and instead of fearing the unknown, we begin to embrace the possibilities.
This shift in mindset can open up a whole new world of opportunities, especially when it comes to data analytics. By using data analytics to inform our choices, we can make more informed decisions, reduce the risk of negative outcomes, and increase our confidence in the face of uncertainty.
For example, imagine you are a student with no background in technology, and you’re about to take an analytics class. You’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious, and the fear of failure is holding you back. But by asking yourself, “what could go wrong?” you begin to see that the worst-case scenario isn’t really that bad.
You realize that even if you fail the class, you will have gained valuable experience and knowledge, and you’ll be better prepared to tackle the subject in the future. This new perspective allows you to overcome your fear and embrace the opportunities the analytics class has to offer.
This same concept applies to all aspects of life, where we often hold ourselves back because of fear. We fear the unknown, failure, rejection, and more, but if we ask ourselves, “what could go wrong?” we might realize that the worst-case scenario is not so bad after all.
In fact, data analytics can be a powerful tool to help us overcome our fears and build confidence. By providing insights and understanding that reduce uncertainty, data analytics can increase our sense of control in decision-making.
One example of this can be seen in the simple use of if-then statements in programming. Take the example of a vacuum cleaner that can be programmed with a series of if-then statements.
If the vacuum cleaner encounters an obstacle, then it should turn in a different direction. If the vacuum cleaner detects dirt on the floor, then it should activate the suction mechanism and clean the area. If the battery level is low, then the vacuum cleaner should return to its charging dock and recharge. If the room is a certain size, then the vacuum cleaner should clean in a specific pattern to ensure complete coverage.
These if-then statements help the vacuum cleaner make decisions about what to do in different situations based on the information it receives from its sensors. The vacuum cleaner can use these rules to navigate around the room and clean the floor effectively without getting stuck or missing any areas.
As humans, we have far superior insight than a vacuum cleaner, but we can also learn from this simple logic. By breaking down complex situations into a series of if-then statements, we can make more informed decisions, reduce the risk of negative outcomes, and increase our confidence in the face of uncertainty.
Another aspect of data analytics that can be intimidating is the wide variety of techniques and tools available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right technique or tool often involves making tradeoffs between factors such as accuracy, complexity, speed, and cost. This can be daunting for individuals who are new to data analytics and are already feeling fearful about their ability to succeed in the field. However, understanding these tradeoffs is essential to selecting the best approach for a given problem and achieving the desired outcomes. By evaluating the tradeoffs carefully, we can reduce uncertainty and build confidence in our ability to leverage data analytics to drive success. As we become more knowledgeable and skilled in data analytics, we can also gain the ability to assess these tradeoffs more effectively, which can help us make better decisions with more confidence.
By overcoming our fears and embracing the power of data analytics, we can unlock a whole new world of opportunities and make more informed decisions. With the right mindset and understanding of the tradeoffs involved, we can build confidence in our ability to leverage data analytics to drive success and achieve our goals.”
So, the next time you’re faced with a daunting task or unfamiliar situation, remember to ask yourself, “what could go wrong?” and consider how data analytics can help you make more informed decisions and build your confidence.
