You’ve read numbers 1 through 12. You’ve commented on them. You were wondering: “Did he mess up when he said there are 13?” No. There are in fact 13. And this is the awaited last one.
“Why the hiatus in writing?” I’ll ‘splain as we move on into the 13th and last thing that mentally strong, mature thinkers avoid:
#13: POWER PONDERERS KNOW BETTER THAN TO EXPECT IMMEDIATE RESULTS.
Common sense plus a smidge of maturity combine to make it clear that very little if anything worthwhile happens fast.
Ever had some toothy guy with the personality of a pressure washer speaking 634 words per minute with gusts up to 1605 try to sell you something, “butit’stodayonlyIcan’tguaranteedthispriceformuchpastnoon. . .”
Underwhelmed, hunh? Meh. Me, too.
In fact, it only took me getting burned one time to develop a personal philosophy of buying.
If I have to decide right now – if I can’t take time to think about it, like overnight – the answer’s an automatic “No”. This is especially true if Joe Blow is out of breath. . .
Individuals training for a marathon know it takes a steady, gradual build-up of endurance and stamina. Getting up one morning and suddenly deciding to run 15 miles? Can you spell “MASSIVE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION”? Well, whether you can or not you’re gonna experience one real fast! And that IS a fact!
When someone makes something look easy, it’s because they’ve been doing it the hard way for years and have learned how to pace themselves. They’ve figured out the way to eat an elephant is the same way you eat anything else: one bite at a time.
Applying your personal resources – time, energy, money, supplies – wisely and little by little is the only way to fly if you want lasting results. Learning the positive value of celebrating little victories along the way keeps interest keen, gives a sense of accomplishment and keeps your mind focused.
Mentally mature people know any lasting, positive change takes time. It’s why they mistrust those who immediately make sweeping changes with minimal reason. Such sudden changes can be reversed just as quickly.
I promised you an explanation for why my posting fell off over the past month. I found myself relearning this very lesson.
A business and professional acquaintance told me of an immediate opening in a very sensitive position requiring someone with my skill sets. I was impressed with the need to swiftly fill this slot; my friend encouraged me to take the time to drop all else, brush off my resume and get a completed application to the board on which he sits.
I did so, putting all else – including posting here – on hold. Believing Time to be of utmost essence, I got by on 4.5 to 5 hours’ sleep nightly for a week, finishing and editing the application. I did what I just told you not to do.
I allowed haste into the process. As it turns out, my application did not get before the board in time. Though my credentials and experience were felt to be superior, they don’t mean much if never seen until after the cut has already been made.
Disappointing? To be sure. But I learned this priceless lesson once more? Little of great worth ever comes from being in a hurry.
Well, unless you’re late for work.
© D. Dean Boone, April 2014