 |
Why Not Reinvent The Wheel?
"Why go and reinvent the wheel?" It's a question that's been around for centuries; right? Here's a better question: Why not reinvent the wheel?
As a Peak Performance Coach, I do a lot of personal development trainings for adults and children, alike. I love kids! They don't think like us adults. Kids are just so incredibly and infectiously optimistic. And, they are absolute Masters of embracing, "what could be." Recently, I asked a group of elementary school students this thought-provoking, question: "Why should we reinvent the wheel?" My aim was to challenge their beliefs and encourage them to think, outside of their thinking. Take a look at just a few of the amazing reasons they came up with addressing why they would reinvent the wheels ... on their bicycles. -They only come in one color -They don't bounce -You can't see inside -They need some style -They're not made of steel -Too many flat tires -They're boring -They slow down when on grass -They don't glow in the dark Pretty remarkable answers; I'm sure you agree. But, the students didn't stop there. They got on the computer and started letting the manufacturers know their demands. All of the children gained an incredible sense of empowerment. One of the students enthusiastically suggested that the group "think of even more things that could be reinvented!" By nature, children are visionaries. Unlike their adult counterparts, they consistently tap into the "research and development" department within themselves. As such, they are always taking something apart, asking innumerable questions, and looking to do differently. Children are not only intrinsically free; but they give themselves permission to pursue ... anything they want to. The point is, when I implied (with my question) that the wheel should be reinvented, not one of the students deferred their opportunity to share with me the reasons why. Each took what has been recognized as the norm -- for decades -- and identified the concepts required for total transformation. Then, after crystallizing their incredible vision, they took immediate action in their quest to bring it into fruition. What could you reinvent? Your bank account balance? The number on your scale? Your thoughts? Your marriage? What about your life? Does it only come in one color? Can you see inside? Do you need some style? Could you use more bounce? Once you begin visualizing what could be, life will become much more fascinating. You'll actually start to take the steps that will move you in the direction of your optimal self. Challenge That Which Is! This inspiring, mastermind group of students empowered themselves when they dynamically challenged, "that which is." My hope is that you will use this magnificent model to construct new meaning (and perhaps even a new wheel) in your own life. Fran Briggs is an author, peak performance coach and motivational speaker. She is also the President of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of individuals and groups around the globe. The company's personal development website offers a free, exciting twice-monthly newsletter that helps you live a happier, healthier and wealthier life. Please visit http://www.franbriggs.com and http://www.dwjd.info for more information.
 |
More resources:
|
|
 |
 |
 |
RELATED ARTICLES
"Back to CYA on a Mission"
Six former wards came back to the California Youth Authority (CYA) earlier this month. This time they volunteered to return.
Essential Ingredient
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 15, 2003I have a couple of questions for you. If a person no longer feels they love their spouse, is it time to divorce?Also, do you think a person who has had an affair can change enough for the betrayed to forgive and continue the marriage? Is it possible to salvage a marriage after the affair?MarieMarie, a book could be written on each of your questions, but the last question sounds like the one you are really asking.
Facing the Enemies Within
We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some of our fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers.
Play It Forward --Living A Life Youve Always Wanted!
What would your life be like if you lived each
event backwards? If you knew what was coming in
your life next how would you react?John Eldredge writes in his book Waking the Dead,
"God what do you have for my heart today?" He
continues by saying, "you may be stunned by what
he guides you into. I began the day at six in the
morning asking God, "What do you have for my heart
today Lord.
The Importance of Friendship
My students and clients have constantly heard me stress that our Martial Art is more than just a physical discipline; that it is a discipline that develops both the mind and body. This is so important that Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, the grand master of our lineages, has made it the primary thrust of just about every one of his books about Ninpo and Martial Arts in general.
False Prophets
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 12, 2003Of all the relationship advice columns, I like and respect yours most because you never encourage using manipulation or "tricks" in relationships.I recently turned 30 and am considered an attractive woman.
Patience - The Antidote for Stress
Why is it so difficult to hold steadfast to a commitment to the very thing we desire? I'm sure you've had the experience of challenging your client with something to do, or to be, in service of moving them closer to their heart's desire. As you reconvene again and again, you note that the client can't seem to stay committed to the steps that will realize their dreams.
TIES that BIND
I have no idea how it started or who launched it. Nevertheless years after all of the women in my family died (they were the initiators of all of our major family events and thingamajigs).
Get Out Of Your Own Way
One of the biggest obstacles to our self growth and personal development is..
Get Your Guidance and Get to Know Your True Self
Many people feel they have everything they need in life, yet happiness remains elusive. What is the key, the missing element when everything seems satisfactory externally? The answer: look within.
Letting Go and Letting Be
In Corrogue it is frosty.The earth is hard and unyielding.
Shame and Guilt: A World of Difference
Learning to distinguish between two powerful emotions - superficially very similar but in practice, very different - is essential not only for healthy self-esteem but for fulfilling interpersonal relationships.Jill and Sharon (not their real names) worked on the same projects in close proximity to each other in a relatively small office.
Inspiration: A Few More Things Ive Noticed Along the Road So Far
Here's a quote from the late great columnist Sydney Harris that I believe says much about the state of marriage in our culture: "Almost no one is foolish enough to imagine that they automatically deserve great success in any field of activity; yet almost everyone believes they automatically deserve success in marriage."One of the best unexpected blessings of marriage is to count the parents of your spouse among your friends.
Justice Delayed
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 22, 2003I have three grown children. My elderly father, six younger brothers, and a large extended family live in the old country.
Aim High
Change is difficult for many people. Often times our whole identity is wrapped up in what we've learned as children will work for us when dealing with people, allowing us to survive, thrive and fit in.
The Eyes of the Clown
There are few enough miracles in life, God knows. I think perhaps the circus is one of them.
Increase Awareness With One Simple Question
There are many ways we can increase our own personal
awareness about our life and what we want to make out of it.
Yet, we seldom ask the question, "Why am I doing this?" By
consciously becoming more aware of what we do and why, we
can then make phenomenal changes.
Dreams and Desires, Wants and Wishes Journals
Have you ever dreamed of a new house? Have you ever wished for the perfect mate? What about wanting that job that you've always dreamed of? Have you wished for a perfect day?We all have dreams and desires, our own personal wishes and wants. What if?what if you could just have what you wanted and wished for? What would that house look like, feel like? How would you decorate it? Is it a condo, or on acres of land? Are there animals? Who are your neighbors? Do you have parties? What color is your house painted? How is it furnished? Who lives there with you?Your perfect mate, is how tall, what color hair, what religion?
How did you meet? Are you married? Do you have children?What is your dream job? What state are you living in? What are your hours?
What do you do? Whom do you work with?What does your perfect day look like? What do you do, where do you go?
Whom are you with?Think about what your wishes and dreams are.
Ctrl-Alt-Delete Your Life
Ah, the good old "Vulcan nerve pinch", the three-fingered salute, the one-handed solution to many backhanded aggravations. How simple, how effective, how instantaneously gratifying to the mind behind the mouse.
What Forgiveness Is Not
Is a grudge-laden heart sabotaging your success in business
and in life?Much has been written over the ages about the value of
forgiveness. And yet so many people continue to resist the
idea of forgiving their transgressors.
|