The Donkey In A Well

This story was sent to me as an anonymous email. Sometimes the simple lessons are told through stories.

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL : Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries – Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from God.

When we take 100% responsibility for our life is when life begins be something more than ordinary.

Don’t Wish Your Time Away

This is often what my Mother said to me when I wished I was a little older, out of school, or had challenges behind me.  From experience, I later learned she was right.  Whether we have a fixation on future time or past time, the result is the same.  We miss the good things about our present time.

The skill of focusing on and living in the present is one way to cherish time.  Unfortunately, it is not practiced by many until they are older and see their time running out.  Look for the good in your garden of today’s time.  It’s there to be relished.

Not enough time for you? Pay yourself first.

On airplanes, in case of an emergency, we are told to put on our own oxygen masks first and then to help our child. When investing money, we are encouraged to pay ourselves first. Why? We have to take care of ourselves to serve effectively. But a mind-set that says we must first satisfy the demands of others often leaves us lacking energy for the things we care about. This ultimately leaves us with less energy and resources, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.

Try this: plan time for yourself every day. Make an appointment with yourself! Note in your Day-Timer^® Organizer not only the time, but also the place. Honor the commitment.

Three deadly planning mistakes

Time Management Secret

When learning to ski, there is a natural tendency to recoil uphill away from the intimidating steep slope with weight on the uphill ski, rather than on the downhill ski. This causes the skier to lose control.

The same challenge occurs in time management. There is a natural tendency to recoil and lean away from tasks that intimidate us.  One example would be a difficult call that needs to be made.  Control your fear.  Lean into and get your weight on the intimidating task.  It will put you in control and you will not be a procrastinator.

Time management quote for today. “Ordinary people think merely of spending time. Great people think of using it.” – Unknown Author

Things You Can Control

As human beings we tend to focus our energy on things we can’t control.  Things we can’t control tend to be the weather, stock market, bad relationships or a customer cancellation.  This is a big mistake!  Don’t waste time and energy on things you can’t control.

Not only will this effect your mental state in a positive way, it will give you energy!  Here is a list of just 14 things I can control right now.

Add to the list. What are some things you can control today?

1. How well I prepare my “Attack Plan for today.
2. How I act on my feelings.
3. How often I say thank you to people.
4. What I decide to eat today.
5. The time I spend on worrying about something I have no control over.
6. What type of exercise I do.
7. How I deal with interruptions, phone calls and emails.
8. My work environment.
9. When I ask someone for help on a project.
10. How many risks I take.
11. How many prospecting phone calls I make today.
12. Getting rid of clutter in my workspace.
13. How many times I smile today I make eye contact.
14. The amount of energy I put in to my work.

Refuse to give those things you can’t control your energy today!  Focus on things you can control and watch your attitude, energy, and productivity soar!