"如果你住在龙附近，就不能不把它计算在内。"

You know that feeling when you’re planning something big, like a camping trip or a new business venture, and you suddenly realize there's a huge factor you hadn't considered? That's essentially what we're talking about here. The core idea is simple: you can't afford to ignore significant risks or challenges, especially if they’re right in your backyard.

Historically, this quote comes from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit." In the story, Bilbo Baggins and his companions have to deal with a very real dragon named Smaug. Ignoring the dragon while planning their quest would be insane—after all, Smaug is a massive threat that could ruin everything if not carefully considered.

Let’s make this real with a concrete example. Imagine you’re starting a small bakery in your town. Everything seems perfect: you've found a great location, you've got delicious recipes, and you’re excited. But there's a huge supermarket chain just down the road. If you don’t factor in their competitive prices and marketing power, you might find yourself in a tough spot fast. That supermarket is your "dragon." You need a strategy to deal with it—maybe by offering unique products they don’t, providing exceptional customer service, or leveraging the charm of a local business.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? Start by identifying your "dragons." These are the big, potentially problematic factors in any of your plans. It could be financial constraints, stiff competition, a lack of skills, or even personal challenges like procrastination. Acknowledge these factors head-on instead of hoping they'll go away. Make them a part of your planning process.

Think about a relatable scenario. Picture you’re a student with finals coming up. You’re great at history and literature, but math? That’s your dragon. Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Instead, you need a game plan. Maybe you get a tutor, join a study group, or dedicate extra time to practice problems. The point is, by acknowledging and addressing the challenge, you increase your chances of success.

Let's get even more personal. Imagine you’re planning a big family reunion. You’ve got everything lined up: the venue, the food, the entertainment. But there’s that one relative who always stirs up drama. Ignoring the potential for conflict won’t make it disappear. Maybe you discuss boundaries with them beforehand, or you have a trusted family member ready to intervene if things heat up. By planning for this "dragon," you’re more likely to have a smooth event.

In all these scenarios, the key is to face realities head-on. Life throws us dragons from time to time. Some are small, some are massive, but pretending they don’t exist usually makes things worse. So next time you’re planning anything significant, take a moment. Ask yourself, “What’s my dragon in this situation?” Then, make sure you’ve got a plan to deal with it. Trust me, it's better than getting burned later on.