Being Better
by Jon on Jul.25, 2009, under Personal, Thinking
These days, we do a lot. A LOT. I don’t even have wife/kids/mortgage to tangle with, or a business to run, and still I feel too busy for my own good sometimes. We have come to expect that out of ourselves; the world being so small and our ability to move so fast, I want to sink my teeth into everything I see.
And we can almost do it, too, if we’re organized enough.
But organization was never my strong suit!
… understatement of the year. There is no way I can get organized to do EVERYTHING I’d like to do—but damn if I can’t fake it! I had an idea today on how to feign organization, efficiency, and other valuable managerial terms.
First, look at all the roles we play to others every single day. On a daily basis, I am a friend. Brother. Son. Coworker. Stranger. Some days, I am also an actor, ultimate frisbee player, or motorist. Some other days, I need to fake like a mechanic, a writer, or a salesman.
Get a list of these roles together. Then once a week, pick three (3) of those roles, and focus that week on being a better ____.
Say, motorist: Get that car tuned up, oil checked, and give it a good wash.
Son: Call your Dad, just ’cause. Shoot the shit, or ask him for practical fatherly advice. Send Mom flowers.
Coworker: Buy the office a box of donuts. Be more proactive in following up on emails & calls. People notice.
Or heck, try out one thing you don’t already do. Make this the week you pick up a book on kiteboarding at the library, or go get First Aid certification.
Three sounds not overwhelming, and a week seems like a healthy time period to spread out conscious, focused efforts on doing these better.
& on that note… Imma go buy a dry erase board to keep track of my 3 things each week.
