I saw this poem Five Short Chapters from Portia Nelson quoted by Sean Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers (Simon & Schuster: 2004). It really struck a chord with me. See what you think…
Ch I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost … I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.
Ch II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place
but, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Ch III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit.
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Ch IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Ch V
I walk down another street.
Copyright (c) 1993, by Portia Nelson from the book There’s A Hole in My Sidewalk.
What does the poem say to you or make you feel?
Do you continually fall into the deep hole in the sidewalk? That’s the definition of insanity, isn’t it? Doing the same old thing and expecting a different result!
For me, the poem highlights the importance of taking responsibility for what happens in your life.
Far too many people have a reactive mindset that compels them to wait for things to happen…the perfect job, the ideal partner or ‘forever’ home to fall into their lap. Sadly they wait for all of their lives.
To achieve and accomplish in life you must be proactive – this means seizing the initiative, exploring your options, pick one and then taking action!
I like the playwright, George Bernard Shaw’s, take on being proactive. Here’s what he said:
“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.”
Get out there and go make some circumstances that you want!
To your success…
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