Adulting is hard. The world wants to push us into a mold that serves it best. We need rule keepers, but equally important are the rule-breakers. Stretching outside of our comfort zones may just build the kind of people that are world changers. As we search for direction to be successful, we might best remember the wisdom of our grade school years.
"Hey, I like green eggs and ham, I like them Sam I am!" Green Eggs and Ham
Try New Things: Most of us live in a comfort zone believing it's our safe place. We live casually rather than purposefully. Trying new things brings a richness and depth to our souls.
"Promise me you'll always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." Pooh to Piglet
Believe in yourself: There will be naysayers. I'm not sure if these negative people aren't brave enough to try new things themselves and so don't see it in others or if they're just jealous of potential success. It doesn't matter. You have a dream. Build your plan of attack by small steps, then launch yourself! Every success and even every failure is a step forward. Mistakes are lessons that demonstrate how not to move, note the lesson and move on. You can achieve your dream.
"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear." Pooh
Give Grace Often: Everyone has a story, you may not know it yet, but everyone has a past that makes them who they are, be patient. In the timeline of life, you may just be a bit further up life's hill than someone else and will need to extend a helping hand. At other times in life, you may need to have a hand extended to you.
"Cause a person's a person no matter how small." Horton Hears a Who
People matter: What if every line of authority were reversed? If we've always treated people from the bottom walks of life the same as we might treat the upper levels of hierarchy, we'd never notice the flip. In large corporations, the top people in charge often forget it is the frontline workers that make the company successful--don't be that kind of CEO. Instead be quick to thank those who help you get where you're going. Burn your societal ruler-stick, and replace it with words of affirmation for everyone.
"I swung round the corner and dashed through the gate. I rushed up the steps and I felt simply GREAT! For I had a story that no one could beat. And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street." To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street.
Pay attention to life around you: Sometimes we run through life so busy we miss things that have the power to change us, move us, inspire us and teach us lessons of the universe. If you're expectantly looking for the magic life has to offer, be assured it will find you. Life is most often about making your desires happen rather than sitting on a bench hoping opportunities will wander by.
"What good am I? What can I do? Oh, they would put me in the zoo, if they could see what I can do." Put Me in the Zoo
Advocate for yourself: Find your passion. Do what you must do to live your dreams but remember to advocate for yourself. People are busy with their own lives, you have to put yourself in front of those that can help you dream and convince them you are worth taking a chance on. Be prepared, find your audience, look for the decision makers and win them over.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, cause those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Cat in the Hat
Be true to yourself. We all have to find our paths in life. Sometimes we need to copy the masters, trying on every personality along our way. But there comes a moment when our purpose rings true, who we are and what we must do. Be brave and just do it. Others may worry, but you must climb your own mountain rather than falsely imitating others' expectations of you. Don't look back and don't take the short cuts--the world deserves the real you.
Little did I know when I was in grade school, I was given the greatest advice for my life. Based on Dr. Seuss' words of wisdom, and a little courage, I have all that I need to take the world by storm.