It happens at the most surprising moments. A flash of inspiration bolts into our heart, and like Nike, the energy shouts, “Just do it!”
Perhaps it was a sidelong glance at well-mannered children in another family, or even one of the articles on this site. Every so often the burning desire to change, to make a substantial difference in the life of our child, consumes us.
“From now on, I will pay more attention to my child in the evenings,” pronounces Dad.
“From this day forward I shall never lose my temper,” Mom exclaims.
Good intentions. Wonderful intentions.
Yet what happens the next day, or the following week? The majority of the time we are back to where we started, and any progress caused by the inspiration has long since disappeared.
We want to be better parents, yet changing habits and personality is so difficult!
Here is a tip that will allow you to make substantial- although not instantaneous- positive changes in your parenting style:
First, a short fable:
The simplicity of this concept can be demonstrated by the ancient story of the Greek wrestler who would carry a calf on his shoulders for a few hours each day. He did so from the time that the calf was born until she was three years old – and despite the fact that the calf grew heavier and heavier, he was able to do so. Those who watched him were amazed at his incredible strength; those who heard about it did not believe what they heard. None of them realized that what he done was fooling his subconscious mind by conditioning it.
His mind was well aware that lifting a full grown cow was a virtually impossible feat for a human being. However, lifting a newborn calf was within the wrestler’s abilities. The day-to-day growth of the animal was so slight it was nearly imperceptible. His strength increased daily in minute increments.
And therein lays the secret to accomplishing the impossible, the formidable or the overwhelming:
Break your huge task into many smaller goals. Create goals that are relatively easy to accomplish. The next step is to build upon them.
The bottom line is this: If you can make one change, you have the ability change once more, and then a third time as well.
Today, let’s start small. Small, yet effectively.
What is the little parenting resolution you are going to make today? Share below, and please do post your progress!
To our success!
