Work like a kid

I am not really sure what I am going to do when my kids grow up and move out of the house. Virtually everything we buy today comes with a 50 page manual in three different languages. If I didn’t have kids I don’t think I would know how to turn on my TV,Tivo, cellphone or latest computer gadget. I am one of those guys who love to buy every piece of new technology that hits the market but unfortunately if it takes longer than an hour to figure it out I usually shelf it and it never ends up being used.

Thank God I have kids who don’t ever read a manual and also don’t know that they don’t know how to use it. They just jump right in and start pushing buttons until they figure it out and then they train me. If we could all just learn to work like a kid we would be so much farther ahead. It is actually their willingness to fail that allows them to succeed. They are focused on the end result and look at failure as just part of the process required in order to achieve their desired goal.

I have watched my kids learn to snow board in one day while it took me nearly two years. They just knew they could and I operated from the mindset that I knew I couldn’t. How different is that! Kids just love the feeling of being in movement and are fascinated with the journey of learning while most adults are more worried about how dumb they look as the crash every 10 feet.

Most of us need to evaluate all the options and the “worst case scenario” before we will launch into something. We have to do research, measure our skills and see if we have what it takes in order to go any farther. We become completely consumed by our abilities or lack thereof, but children will just ask themselves one question. Do they want to learn this skill or achieve this objective?

I have watched my kids for years build what they call “experiments” in almost every restaurant we have been in. They start with a simple glass of unfinished beverage and add everything they can find on the table. It turns into some form or toxic waste I am sure! But this does not impede their desires to find the next solution to global warming or life threatening disease.

I would like you to consider taking off the governor that limits your explorations and free spirit. Common sense and logical precaution are always a good idea but I think most take that way too far. Live a little, break free and go do something way out of character. You may just find a new passion that unleashes greatness in you. Start pushing buttons and learn that failure, falling down and looking silly are some of the real treasures in life. Learn to laugh with yourself and allow others to share in these precious moments. Your transparency and childlike qualities are very endearing to all.

This world needs more children in it so lets all become childlike again! Laugh, love, dance and sing. It these things that help us heal and break free.