This past fall my candy bowl was empty. I had just moved into a new office and needed to unpack. I was so busy and distracted setting up the new space that the bowl remained empty. Even at the start of the school year, the bowl on my desk remained empty, instead of being full of its usual mints and chocolate.
I kept sending myself mental reminders to make sure I got more mints and Hershey kisses. I left myself Post-it’s, and sent myself Siri reminders. Still, the bowl continued to be empty until one day, it was the first thing I put on my to-do list. I needed to make sure I got it done and filled it back up. Within seconds, visitors to my office, commented, oh, chocolate, or oh, I need a mint! The bowl became highly needed, and highly acknowledged!
Why had I not acted earlier and filled the bowl? Actions produce results. As we start this new year of 2023, what are the empty bowls in your life, and what are the actions you are taking to fill them?
Well, this is a simple story. It’s a start that stops most people. The simple act of purchasing the mints and Hershey kisses and putting them into the bowl, slowed me from having a positive impact on others and kept me staring at an empty bowl.
A few recommendations regarding that empty bowl in your life:
* Acknowledge the empty bowl, and make a decision that you’re going to do something about it.
* Make the important thing the important thing. Put the action you’re going to take at the top of your list.
* Do a little bit a lot of the time. I don’t only fill the bowl with candy when its empty. I add a little bit to it each day so the bowl is full and plentiful.
* Enjoy the journey. Refilling your bowl should be enjoyable and something to look forward to doing.
We all know New Year’s resolutions don’t work, so I challenge you to make refilling your bowl an important habit and something you do daily. Do a little bit a lot of the time.
My good friend Dr. Rob Gilbert says habits start out as small threads and slowly over time these threads weave to become thick strong cords.
Keep rolling friends and happy new year! If you’re looking to book, your next leadership, seminar or workshop, give me a shout. I would love to connect with you!
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#LeadershipSparks: Underwater
Quote: “All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.”
— Albert Einstein
