Where did the summer go?!? What is going on? How did we miss 3 months??
Is it just me or does everyone seem to be distracted these days? Everyone is in such a hurry! I was driving to the airport and someone drove right up behind me. I moved over so that he could pass. But then he didn’t pass. That was confusing. Instead, he drove right next to me. Then I looked over and he was texting!
When I got to the airport, I was walking to my gate pulling my roller bag behind me. Out of nowhere, I feel someone tripping over my bag and pushing me forward. She was hurrying while playing a game on her electronic device. I sit down by the gate and there is no one to talk to. Everyone seems to be involved and occupied and has something that is distracting them. They are all soooo busy!
What are we doing to ourselves?
Is anyone’s head ever where their body is?
We are so busy, busy, busy that in this article I just want to encourage you to be a person who will W.A.I.T.
Before You Act
Before you take an action, W.A.I.T. Ask yourself, “What Am I Thinking?” So much of life is lived on autopilot in a cognitive fog. Yet, who was the original pilot that steered you that way? Was it you? Was it someone else?
When you don’t take the time to think, and more specifically, think about your thinking, you are a slave to your past.
Your habits (many of which you did not intentionally create for yourself) will run your life. A lot of today’s habits are spent on voyeurism and sensationalism. How does it enhance your life and the lives of those around you to watch a person a random bachelor choose a bachelorette? Do you really need to see Kim Kardashian’s butt? Does it change your life if Colin Kaepernick stands for the national anthem or not? Before you act, W.A.I.T. and ask yourself “What Am I Thinking?” Then, go ahead and do whatever it was you were going to do. I’m not asking you to change, just think.
By W.A.I.T.ing, you will experience the freedom that is your birthright as a human being. You will be at choice. You can still choose to watch 100 videos of cats and kittens doing what they do. Whatever it is, W.A.I.T.ing will allow you to be present in the moment and find a little joy in your journey.
Before You Speak
Before you communicate, W.A.I.T. Ask yourself, “Why Am I talking (or texting)?” Rather than reacting using the old habits that you created over your lifetime, take a moment to consider what you are going to say and the impact that your words are going to have on the receiver; yes the real, live human being on the other end of your message. Are your words a reflection of who you are and who you aspire to be? If not, how can your communication be aligned with who you are and create value for you and others? W.A.I.T.ing will allow you to clarify your intention and create a message that will get you closer to your goal.
In Brendon Burchard’s book, The Motivation Manifesto, he writes:
“Randomness and mediocrity too often rule the day, and the loud and needy dictate who we are and what we do – our lives become subject to the tyranny of fools.”
Before You Choose a Path Forward
As you look forward in your life and set your personal goals and intentions, W.A.I.T. Ask yourself, “Who Am I Trusting?”
Are you relying on other people to define YOUR dreams and plans for YOUR life? Are you hoping that your life’s purpose will find you? There is one person that you should get in touch with immediately because they are the only one you can trust with your life’s mission… that’s YOU! To some, this is a scary thought. But there is nothing to fear. Fear rules us only when we let it.
You can’t be a “wrong” you.
You are you and no one can be you for you. It’s been said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Yet, which end are you on? Are you being flattered or are you the flatterer trying to imitate others?
The greatest gift you can offer the world (and yourself) is becoming the best YOU.
Trusting your heart, your soul, and your mind and following it. Expressing your uniqueness in whatever tasks, trials, tribulations, and triumphs lie before you.
WAIT! There is one more reason to W.A.I.T.
Ask yourself, “Why Am I Thankful?”
You are blessed in so many ways. Often times the busyness of our lives causes us to miss out on the true value that is already present in our lives… the beauty of a sunrise (or sunset), the laughter of a child, the touch of a loved one, the flirtatious smile from a stranger, the softness of cool water as it rolls across your tongue (or the fizzy titillation of a good, cold beer ;), and the love you have in your own heart for yourself.
W.A.I.T
What Am I Thinking?
Why am I talking (or texting)?
Who Am I Trusting?
Why Am I Thankful?
Your dreams, your goals, and your future are just around the corner. Let’s W.A.I.T. for it. Let’s be thankful for all the trials and tribulations that have challenged us to be better today than we were yesterday. And, let’s W.A.I.T. so that we can act with purpose and intention to be even better tomorrow than we are today.
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I am so thankful for you – the reader of this article. I hope that you receive great value from it and that it is time well spent. I know that you are busy and have many other options in how you spend your valuable time. I am honored and humbled that you spend these few moments with me. In case I haven’t told you lately… thank you. I am grateful for you!