Since I originally started this blog with the thought that someday my girls would read it, and realize that I thought about things other than soccer schedules and nutrition values, I figure I’d better post something specifically for them. I have been thinking about this for a few months now and things are finally coming together in a way that I am fairly certain I can communicate them reasonably.
This part of my thought process refers directly to interpersonal relationships:
1. Be succinct, always. There are certain circumstances where what you need to say will take more than five minutes to convey, but generally speaking, most of your daily thoughts and instructions can be effectively communicated in less than five minutes (sometimes, in less than five sentences). If it takes longer than five minutes, you’d better be the President.
2. Consider your words carefully. Please, I implore you, do not grow up and become one of the millions who, without a thought, throw words and phrases into the atmosphere that have no significance or meaning. Stop….Think….Consider….then speak.
3. There are many ways to measure your worth. Please consider one of the most important measurements to be how often you have a positive effect on the lives of others. How often do people seek your advice? How often are you their sounding board? How often do you calm a storm simply by being in the room? Do you play a critical role in the lives of the people you care about? Are you anyone’s hero?
Finally:
4. Challenge your status quo. You can always be more remarkable, more successful, more interesting, and more challenged in your life. By challenging your status quo, you ensure that YOU are the person who plays the most critical role in your own sense of joy and fulfillment. Plus that, it makes you that much more valuable to the people around you.
In the interest of keeping this concise, that’s all for now.
