Lotto Tickets and Irrationality

Not long ago, my mom texted me and said, “I won $11 playing a scratch-off lotto game!” My response to my mom: “Yes, but think about how much money you lose when you pay to play but don’t win." Of course, my mom doesn’t care. She just likes the thrill of playing and the hope of winning big.

The lottery is a perfect example of how driven we are by our emotions, which can often be irrational. Here’s the thing: it’s not necessarily bad or wrong to be irrational. As a person who likes to think she approaches life in a rational, structured, and logical way (I probably don’t as much as I think I do), this is hard for me to admit.

But at the end of the day, most of us value how we feel more highly than we value logic and data. Even if you don’t play the lottery, I’m willing to bet (I'm punny!) that you do something just as irrational—where you make a decision even though the odds of getting the outcome you want aren’t promising.

We do this when we eat—think about how many times you eat things that you know won’t make you feel good when you’re done but you still stuff yourself anyway.

We do this when we date—every relationship you will ever have will end in heartbreak, either because you’ll break up or one of you will pass on. Whenever we choose to love, we are 100% guaranteed to experience deep loss and grief at some point. If you want to avoid loss and grief, then getting into a relationship is pretty much always irrational.

We do this with our time—think about how often we waste it watching TV or checking our social media accounts when we have a long laundry list of things to accomplish. We give the excuse of not having enough time when those things don’t get done, but pretty much all of us have enough time unless you waste 0% of it (in which case, I would really love to meet you!).

We do this when we spend money—think about how many times you’ve made a purchase on something that wasn’t TRULY NECESSARY (like the most basic food and personal care products). And then think about how many things you end up throwing away or donating because you realize you don’t need it or like it anymore. I don’t know about you, but I make unnecessary purchases literally every day of my life and I give away most of it after a few years.

We are irrational A LOT. But.

Sometimes, the juicy cheeseburger brings us significantly more joy than it costs us in feeling physically a bit too full or tired later on.

Sometimes, watching TV makes us laugh or cry when that's exactly what we need.

Sometimes, we buy something “useless” and it brings us so much excitement and happiness—even if only for a brief period of time.

Sometimes, falling crazy in love and developing a deep relationship so significantly changes who we are and what we have the capacity to feel that it’s worth every ounce of the impending heartbreak.

Not always, but sometimes. Sometimes, the irrational decision is exactly what we need.

I don’t buy lottery tickets, but I take plenty of bets on things that are just as, if not more, irrational. And that’s okay. Because some of the best things in life come when we aren’t following a logical, orderly playbook.

I feel better eating plant-based, but I wouldn’t trade some of my favorite meals that involved BBQ or sushi for anything.

I would prefer (and need to) save more money for retirement and debt repayment, but some of the unnecessary things I spend money on give me undeniable joy (like playing golf and having clothes that make me feel beautiful when I put them on).

I experienced so much heartache several years ago when I let go of someone who meant a lot to me, but I wouldn’t trade it for literally anything in the world. He left an indelible mark on me and prepared me for the amazing man that comes into my life next.

Sometimes, the irrational decision is the right decision because it brings you joy, gives you hope, makes you smile, allows you to cry, provides a fond memory, teaches you a lesson, and makes you more of the person you were meant to become.

We could all stand to be more rational, but maybe it shouldn’t be the standard by which we measure ourselves all the time. Maybe calculated, logical, and structured aren’t the best things for our hearts, our relationships, and our ability to be the best we can be.

It makes me cringe a little bit to hear about my mom buying lotto tickets, but if it brings her joy and makes her feel hopeful, then I guess I know what to buy her next Christmas.

Here's to doing more of what brings you alive, even if it makes no sense to anyone else.