I Know Things
Spotted on a tee shirt in a book store – “When I drink, I know things.”
I turned to my wife and said, “I don’t even need to drink.”
I know things:
#1. I know fear of failure has helped me succeed.
Concern for loss of reputation or respect motivates when things are going wrong.
Ego is useful when used in service of others.
Ego harms when it devalues others.
#2. I know frustration is a good thing when it ignites solution-finding, but exhausting when you snuggle up with it.
Frustration is your response to ‘evil’. No one gets red-faced when you finish ahead of time and under budget.
Four questions drain poison from anger.
- What do you want?
- What’s important about that?
- How might you include others?
- What’s the most reasonable step forward?
#3. I know character waits on the other side of disappointment and pain.
You find character digging ditches, not lounging on the beach.
Grit expresses and develops character.
The only way to develop grit is to use it. When you give up on meaningful work because it’s hard, you lose some of yourself.
Grit tip: Hang with people who have grit if you want to develop grit.
#4. I know real power comes from largeness of heart.
Vulnerable, compassionate, and positive intention compose largeness of heart.
You’re irresistible when you express heart. Others may not agree with you, but they will respect you.
Small-hearted leaders are repulsive.
#5. I know the longer you nurture relationships the more valuable they become.
Revolving-door relationships build a shallow life, even if it feels fun.
- Take care of the people who pull the plow beside you.
- Invest time with people who share your beliefs.
- Don’t rashly cut someone out of your inner-circle.
- Honor and serve those who make you a better person.
How would you complete, “I know things…?”
How would you complete, “I know things…? I wish I knew more about everything and less about nothing! Learn everyday until we can learn no more.
Thanks Tim. I know that I don’t know things. 🙂
The truth! “You find character digging ditches, not lounging on the beach.”
Thanks Kevin. It stings. 🙂
I know things that helps to make everyone around me better.
That’s great to know. 🙂 Thanks Ted….
The idea of nurturing relationships truly resonated with me. We all need closer relationships with others in order to grow and uncover love, support, and empathy.
“What do you want?” – such a powerful question. I can define expectations or illuminate that there is no clearly defined expectation. I need to use that one more when dealing with difficult partners.
I know that procrastination prolongs anxiety and “luck” is normally accompanied by hard work.
“will always get better” its just it may not be today, tomorrow or next week, but things “will always get better” or at least that has been my experience. I’ve worked and been there for 1-5 above, 2 consumes me now and wears me out and I wish I had more of #5, there’s just so few around me anymore I actually like “nurturing” with. Find most of the time, I enjoy more the nurture I work with my 23 year old son than anything; maybe because we are so alike (not from genes since he is adopted from China) in temperament, style, nature and response. Its so good to see the growth in him.
I know that moments matter…I try to fill my day with powerful moments of encouragement, conversation, recognition, connection, honor and gratitude.
Thank you Dan. You’re right on the money with these and it’s almost a list that I dare not tamper with, but you have requested our “I know things…,” so:
I know that true perspective is absent without real experience. One can learn by being taught, but will not understand until they have applied what they’ve learned.
I know that it’s okay to live a life other people don’t understand.
I know that what we see in others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.
I know that you must do what others won’t do in order to see things others can’t see.
I know that when you truly love yourselves, the search for identity stops and the search for purpose begins.
I know showing that I genuinely care makes sharing what I know a lot more effective.
I know when things stop working its time to change
Good reminders. Fear or failure or even to prove someone with a negative opinion wrong can be very strong motivators. It’s harder to stay on top. That’s where those valuable investments in relationships really help!
I know that we are only granted a finite number of days on earth. Therefore we must make the most of each day that we have on this earth. We cannot afford to waste one day because every day truly does count. #begreateveryday
I know things because I listen to the people around me and I manage by walking around.
Dan, what would it look like when someone is “irresistible when you (they) express heart?” Could you cite some situations or people who exhibit the characteristics you have in mind when you think of heart? Thank you.
I know things like trusting the small still voice inside me and spending time with people eating is a good way to build community.