How To Give A Rip: Part 1
Very rarely is there one thing that can change that really benefits you across every aspect of your life. Most small shifts in thinking or perspective work at home but fall short at work, or vice versa. But over the next few days, we will discuss one tip that can truly add value and usher in successful outcomes in every role you play, be it spouse, parent, employee, boss, student, friend, adult child, etc. I'm not much for the idea of "one and done life hacks to revolutionize your life," but when it comes to this tip, it truly can change things at a foundational level that can impact your life across the board.
Here it is: Figure out a way to give a rip about whatever is in front of you.If you want to be awesome at whatever is in front of you, you must figure out a way to give a rip about it.
The first time I ever thought about this concept was in high school. Our principal, Mr. Grimmer, stuck his head into our geometry class and gave an impromptu speech to the effect of, "Here's the truth: unless you go into the advanced math field as a career, you'll truly never use geometry except for when you're figuring out how much paint or carpet to buy. But that's not the point. You've gotta figure out a way to take on this challenge and do a good job in this class anyway because making a good grade in here will unlock the next door to the future."
I recalled that lesson a few years later, sitting in an undergraduate classroom, not at all caring about one of my gen ed requirements. My disinterest in Western Civilizations was standing in the way of me moving on to classes I would be more interested in, namely, my major classes in organizational communications. I had to figure out a way to get interested so that I could move on to things that would be more fulfilling for me and that seemed as though they would actually apply to my life.
Flash forward a few years later after graduate school, in the midst of the very common yet awkward transition from full-time student to full-time employee, I found myself stuck in the monotony of a specific task that my boss wanted me to accomplish but I felt had little value to my actual responsibilities. I remembered that truth again: you've gotta find a way to get interested in this, because there's value in being a good employee. Indeed, there is value because it can mean an increase in job security, but there is also intrinsic value in the character it takes to be a good employee.
In my current phase of life, there are times when my husband is passionate about things that I wouldn't naturally be interested in. And while I do fully support the idea of spouses having some individual hobbies that they can do by themselves or with friends, when it comes to passions, I think it's important to figure out a way to become interested so you can be more supportive. So yes, I am now more versed in abstract art and the local artist community than I would have ever expected myself to be and at this point, I can honestly say I really enjoy it.
So what about you? What do you need to get interested in so that you can become a better friend, partner, parent, employee, volunteer, etc.? What's standing in your way between here and where you'd like to be? Could a shift in attitude help unlock that door?Join me over the next few days as we unpack the question of "HOW" to figure out a way to give a rip about whatever is in front of you. I fully believe that there are better days ahead than anything we've left behind. Let's figure out how to get there together!And, as always, if any of this brings up anything you'd like to discuss in a counseling or coaching session, you can reach me here.
Offices in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs and Walker, Louisiana.