Predictions

During the 2010 FIFA world cup, we have seen so many predictions being made about which team is going to beat the other and by how many goals. Watching these predictions have been a very interesting thing to do. Some predictions were correct and others were wrong. It has been more interesting to see how people get frustrated if the results are not in agreement with their predictions. Some would even find ways of justifying why the results were not according to their predictions. Some of the reasons used were; the weather, the referee, the ball (Jabulani), the pitch, the pressure from spectators and so on.

My observation has told me that people confuse predicting with pure guessing and wishes. When you make a prediction you don't say what you wish the outcome could be but you base your prediction on correct observations and analysis of the past and the present situation. It is said predicting is "making an informed guess". We make predictions almost everyday of our lives and predicting is a skill that should be nurtured and developed, hence it is also taught in schools. It is through making correct predictions that enable people to forecast the weather and other climate related conditions. Successful traders, in stock exchange, are those that have good predicting skills. This means predicting is an essential skill in life. Thanks to the World Cup for helping our people, including me, realise how important is being able to predict.