I’m impressed that kids never really give up. That no matter how small or large the task, if they like it, they’ll focus.
I was building sand castles today. I am meticulous. Aesthetics and balance count, even with sand castles.
I made my moats perfect. The mountains and the castles had good proportion. My creation was coming together. I was pleased.
Then the water came, first from the ocean and then from a little boy who wanted to try out my moats. With each pour from the bucket and wave from the sea my perfection washed away and I found myself working harder to keep my vision alive.
I stopped having fun.
But the kid didn’t. He saw it for what it was. It was a place to experiment, laugh, and explore. I saw a place to control. I saw imperfections, and things I could improve.
Then a big wave came and washed a lot of my creation away and the kid laughed and continued to play. I finally got it. I finally let go and gave in.
I finally just saw the sand, me, life for what it is. A chance to create and if I focus hard enough, with the right intention and perspective I won’t ever give up.
I’ll just laugh, build, and see what the next wave brings in.
I can start new and try something new. A new curve in the moat because the last time didn’t drain as well as I hoped… or maybe I’ll make the mountain a little taller so the Lego guy we were playing with could see a little further… or maybe I’ll just wipe the whole slate clean and try something totally new.
No matter what, if I saw it the right way, it would have my undivided focus and I, like that kid, would have a curious smile on my face as I went about creating.
Josh Brazier is a Certified Professional Coach, an Arbinger Trained Coach, and founder of the Kaiizen Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of the world’s orphaned and vulnerable children population through mentoring and education.
His mentoring company, Kaiizen Mentors, is helping youth and families in the States live better lives.
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