My grandchildren continue to open my eyes and teach me lessons worth repeating, one of which is to avoid the words no, not, never, can’t, won’t. When I must be instructional, I try not to tell them what not to do, but rather what to do. For example, “Please close the door,” rather than, “Don’t leave the door open!” works so much better.
Businesses and corporate environments that need creative people would do well to remember that too. In a way, it’s the difference between being a babysitter (“No, don’t do that”) and being a mentor (“Go ahead, do it if you can, or try this”). If you really believe what you’re doing is valuable, then why not go all the way with it? If you’re spending your time caretaking, then raise the stakes and make it a mentoring experience. Mentoring helps people learn, and don’t we have a lot to learn?
Candidly, I don’t think humans are very good students. Oh sure, we can learn a lot, like how to read and write. But to be wise? It appears we all have to learn that for ourselves. Yet if I could impart some additional bits of wisdom that I have gleaned in my life and save my grandchildren from the pain of learning it firsthand, I offer the following:
• Learn the difference between having the right to say something and saying something that is right.
• Sit up front! Don’t cower in the back of the room as if ready for a quick getaway. The view is better up front, and you won’t miss anything. Furthermore, the teacher can’t ignore you when you want to ask another question.
• Do the hard stuff first. Do yourself a favor and get your work done early so you have plenty of free time for play.
• Look your best. If you dress like a slob, you are apt to behave like one.
• If you aren’t happy, fake it. People around you don’t want to be punished if you happen to wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
• Take care of your teeth. They were not made for opening bottle caps or splitting apart Lego pieces. Tip: learn to floss early in life.
• Take your time growing up. Trust me on this—one day you’ll be willing to give all you have to be the young age you once were.
• Pay attention to Mom and Dad. They really do want what is best for you and don’t speak to hear themselves talk.
• Respect our planet. It’s the best home you will ever have.
• Make something of your life—only you can do it.
• If you want financial wealth, then don’t spend more than you make.
• Best not to feel sorry for yourself—it’s a waste of energy. I guarantee you, someone somewhere is having a worse day.
• Respect others. Remember, they are just you in a different body.
• Holding a grudge hurts you more than anyone else.
• Be the first to say you are sorry, and mean it.
• Don’t be in such a big hurry to get what you want. My father used to remind me, “Anticipation is greater than realization.” More times than not, he was right.
• Follow your heart, but use your head to show you the way.
• Count your blessings every day. Start with Mom and Dad, or the new puppy or video game. Just start—and never stop.