We’re always going places. Work. Home. Gym. Back to work. Shopping. Dining. Recreation. Squeeze in a quick vacation. Back to work. Change jobs. Repeat.
The vicious cycle of life’s day in, day out routine gets in the way all too often. It gets in the way of what we think we want to do and where we think we ‘need’ to go, at work or at home. We often wonder, “is this going anywhere?” Whether it’s a career thing, a relationship thing, or a life thing…how often do we ask ourselves, “where is this going…are we making any progress?”
We hold on so tight, and we don’t let go. Or am I the only one? We are so afraid of losing control or becoming too vulnerable in different situations at work or at home, and our own fear creeps back in on us.
Consider for a second that when that fear creeps back into the picture…it’s ok. It’s 100% ok to not be ok. Being fearful of things outside of our control is normal. How we deal with the fear is the potential OneMoreStep that can free us up to make a difference…and in some cases even be that difference that matters to others.
Our first instinct is to try and control everything, in every situation. Why? Because if we’re in control, we’re less likely to be hurt, disappointed, or feel inferior. That’s what we think is happening. What is really happening is that we’re focusing on ourselves, our own work, our own career, our own resume, and our own results about which we can be proud and gloat…yet all the while, in the back of our minds we’re still wondering, “are we really going anywhere?”
We often do things for the glory…for the accolades…for the recognition…for the praise…for the raise…for the bonus money. Instead we should go OneMoreStep at work, at home, or in the community not because of what we might get back in return, but because it’s the right thing to do.
If and when we do the right thing, for the right reasons, for the right people (operative word – people…making it about them, not us), at the right times, it’s amazing how quickly our hearts are warmed with love and our minds are left at ease. Worry, frustration, and doubt give way to contentment, satisfaction, and enjoyment.
The OneMoreStep here is this – rather than wondering if we’re ever “going places”, we should first focus on getting our hearts and minds in the right place…and then it’s amazing all the places we’ll go: professionally, personally, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
Two for the road…
Five years ago I left a great job (Sales), with a great company (Disney), in a great city (Orlando), in a great state (Florida) to pursue a list of my goals, on what I had determined to be my timeline to get me exactly where I wanted to go by the time I wanted to get there. (note how many “I’s” and “my’s”…and where I put my focus) Neither my heart, nor my mind was in the right place.
Sure, I’ve been a few places, lived in a few different cities, and worked for a few different companies since then. Some good. Some bad. If I’ve learned anything along the way, it’s that it’s less about the places we go and ALL about getting our hearts and minds in the right place…first. It truly is amazing what a difference that simple, yet often overlooked OneMoreStep concept has on our ability really go places with our relationships, our families, our careers, and the impact and inspiration we can have on the lives of others.
Happiness happens when our hearts and minds are in the right place…then...we go places.
When I graduated from high school, my mom gave me the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Mom, not that I didn’t appreciate the gift then, because I did…I simply understand its meaning a bit more now, fifteen years later. So…thank you, again, for the graduation gift.
An excerpt from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, by Dr. Seuss:
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
You'll be on y our way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.
OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
You'll be on y our way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
Have a great day.
Taylor
Great post, T. Really dig the connection to Dr. Seuss. We've leveraged his material for promotions in the past, especially given his connection to NH (Dartmouth grad). Amazing how the simple words of a children's book have so much meaning when you really think about it. Thanks for the new perspective.
ReplyDeleteWe're going places!
B