The Not-So-Secret Magic Word
Our friend Colter is a Star Wars fanatic and has a pretty creative imagination for an eight-year old. He had an interesting idea the other day in carpool.
"I wish there was a machine that could stop time when we go to the potty. That way when we got back, we didn't miss anything."
Like that other great science fiction mind H.G. Wells, Colter knows that "each moment of life is a miracle and mystery" and doesn't want to miss any. If we're not careful, Life can pass us by while we're in the potty. Or while we're doing those mundane, necessary-evils like work, errands, cleaning (and some not-so-necessary evils, like TV), and all the other things we feel like we 'have' to do.
The small things have a way of crowding out the big things. But only if you let them.
To really live enthused, you've got to put the important things on the top of your list. And YOU are the most important thing. Your health, your energy, your family, your growth, development and joy. The 'terrible daily-ness' is not your Life. And it can distract you from what you really want to do, what you want to accomplish, who you want to become.
The good news is that your Life can still express itself in, through and around all the little things and distractions. But you've got to schedule the important things first. I've found it's a little easier to do if you start using this magic word. You already know it, but you may have forgotten how to use it.
"No"
"Keep in mind that you are always saying 'no' to something. If it isn't to the apparent, urgent things in your life, it is probably to the more fundamental, highly important things. Even when the urgent is good, the good can keep you from your Best, keep you from your unique contribution. If you let it."
The first time I read this quote was about 12 years ago, in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Every time I show it in a class or workshop, nearly everyone says 'wait, let me copy that down.' They seem to resonate with the protective power of 'no'.
A life of enthusiasm flows from your unique contribution. Don't let it get crowded out by all the little stuff. Start saying 'no' -- with enthusiasm.
Dr. Vince
PS If you're still having trouble finding a few quiet minutes to yourself, try the potty. No one will bother you in there.
"I wish there was a machine that could stop time when we go to the potty. That way when we got back, we didn't miss anything."
Like that other great science fiction mind H.G. Wells, Colter knows that "each moment of life is a miracle and mystery" and doesn't want to miss any. If we're not careful, Life can pass us by while we're in the potty. Or while we're doing those mundane, necessary-evils like work, errands, cleaning (and some not-so-necessary evils, like TV), and all the other things we feel like we 'have' to do.
The small things have a way of crowding out the big things. But only if you let them.
To really live enthused, you've got to put the important things on the top of your list. And YOU are the most important thing. Your health, your energy, your family, your growth, development and joy. The 'terrible daily-ness' is not your Life. And it can distract you from what you really want to do, what you want to accomplish, who you want to become.
The good news is that your Life can still express itself in, through and around all the little things and distractions. But you've got to schedule the important things first. I've found it's a little easier to do if you start using this magic word. You already know it, but you may have forgotten how to use it.
"No"
"Keep in mind that you are always saying 'no' to something. If it isn't to the apparent, urgent things in your life, it is probably to the more fundamental, highly important things. Even when the urgent is good, the good can keep you from your Best, keep you from your unique contribution. If you let it."
The first time I read this quote was about 12 years ago, in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Every time I show it in a class or workshop, nearly everyone says 'wait, let me copy that down.' They seem to resonate with the protective power of 'no'.
A life of enthusiasm flows from your unique contribution. Don't let it get crowded out by all the little stuff. Start saying 'no' -- with enthusiasm.
Dr. Vince
PS If you're still having trouble finding a few quiet minutes to yourself, try the potty. No one will bother you in there.
posted by Dr. Vince at Thursday, April 13, 2006
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