Three things to pass on
This is a repost from my Yahoo! 360 blog
Wednesday January 11, 2006
Last night I was at an open mic and the host asked the audience a question. “If you were going to die, what three things would you want to know you passed on to your children?” Here are my three things I want to pass on to my children and the rest of the world:
1) Know your abilities A lot of people underestimate their abilities, seeing limits where there are none. If you see limits, you will limit yourself because you will never push yourself to full potential. Why would you push yourself if you don’t believe you can get there? Many people have goals in mind but don’t reach for them because they think they need someone to help them get there. I’m not saying anyone can do anything, because I don’t believe that. We have to be realistic yet optomistic in our expectations and hopes – there’s a balance. Yet, there’s so much we can achieve on our own. We live in the age of information, but we’re trained from a young age not to seek it. I think educating yourself is the key to understanding your abilities and reaching your potential.
2) Choose your battles I think I mentioned this in my last rant, but I’ll say it again. It’s really important. Don’t fight just to fight or for the sake of winning. You should do your best to know beforehand what you gain by winning, what you lose by losing, and what you lose by winning. If you consider those three things before any battle, you’ll find yourself often realizing that some things just aren’t worth it. Conversely, you’ll realize that certain things are really worth it. Having considered those the gains and losses you’ll have strengthened your conviction and by not fighting the unworthy battles you’ll have conserved your strength.
3) Have fun Do you live to work or work to live? Don’t get so caught up in life’s necessities that you forget why they’re necesary. When you’re in those situations that make you think “one day I’ll laugh about this” take a moment to see the humor and laugh now. Life’s a big game. Enjoy it.
Wow! I should be a motivational speaker.
