by Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive

 

 

While waiting on a flight recently (I've done that a lot this summer), I was reading a magazine and taking some notes when something whizzing by caught my peripheral vision. I didn't take much notice.

 

But then, a flash of yellow and the sound of giggles got my attention again and this time, I put down my magazine to see what was going on.

 

  The hallway in this particular airport was 'ramped' and I was seated next to a fairly slanted part of the floor. A young boy, probably 10 or 11, on his brightly colored walker (like the one pictured above) had also discovered this part of the floor and he was building up speed, hanging on to his walker, then lifting up his feet and careening down the hallway, laughing hysterically and having the time of his life.

 

  Honestly, you couldn't help but smile 'ear-to-ear' at how much fun he was having.  Then, at the bottom of the ramp, where the slope stopped, he would turn around and drag himself to the top of the 'hill.'  What affected me the most, was that he was still smiling even though it was obvious that this part of his game was hard work and even painful for him.

 

  But then, he'd get to the top again...back up a few steps, build up speed and WHEEEEEEEEEEE zoom to the bottom of the ramp.

 

  He was being noisy, but no one minded. He brought us all out of what we were doing and we were grinning as widely as he was.  At one point, I was very tempted to go stand at the bottom of the ramp so that I could help him back to the top...but with one look at the determination and strong will on his face...I knew that would taint the game for him. His payoff for the hard work was the RIDE down and somehow, it wouldn't be as satisfying if he weren't having to work for it.

 

  And as I watched him play and work tirelessly, it struck me: he was using his walker, his disability as a REASON to be having fun! He could be sitting by, moping, feeling sorry for himself that he couldn't walk unassisted. He could assume a victim mentality, 'Why do I have to have a walker, why can't I walk like everyone else?' But INSTEAD - he was using his walker as a motivation, a tool, a reason to be having MORE FUN than anyone else in the place! WOW!

 

  Sometimes, we fall into the trap of:

•  "I cannot work with focus because of my kids." or

• "My husband doesn't have a steady job and so I cannot work my business like I should." or

• "We're too strapped financially for me to pursue a business." or

• "I'm too tired and stressed from my job to do something different."

 

  What if INSTEAD - we said,

• "I'm so motivated to have more time with my kids, I will work with focus for a few hours so I can enjoy time with the kids later, knowing I'm bettering our future." or

• "My husband's job is a bit uncertain, so I'm determined to generate extra income to assist with bills and to relieve some of the stress he must be feeling." or

• "Wow, I'm frustrated with being in debt and struggling to pay bills, I can work 3-5 additional income-producing hours this week so that we're never in this same position of desperation again." or

• "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I will do whatever it takes to grow my business so that I can REALLY live my life instead of dreading each day."

 

  Do you SEE the powerful difference?  I challenge YOU to see your current excuses as POWERFUL reasons to work your business, focus on your efforts and ENJOY the eventual results!

 

  Then after you climb to the top of your 'hill' - even after the pain, the exhaustion and extra effort...you can back up a few steps, pick up speed and WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE - enjoy ear-to-ear smiles on yourself and everyone watching!