13. Treat yourself as you would a child

Colleagues,
​
MVP: Treat yourself as you would a child


I hope this one doesn’t apply to you, but it probably does. 


Throughout my life, nobody has been meaner or treated me more brutally than myself.


It is so sad, the names I have called myself because I missed a deadline, or said something foolish, or… messed up an omelet (also see number 6 about the arrogance of perfection). 


If this sounds like you, then consider this – how would you treat a child who made that same mistake? 


Put a picture of you as a child on your desk or anywhere that you’ll see it (mine is the home screen of my phone). 


Before you begin running yourself into the ground, look at that picture and think about what you would say to that child. You would likely try and find a lesson if there was one, give them a hug, and help them clean up the mess. 


Why not treat your adult self the same way?


Todays intention: Seriously! Find that childhood picture and keep it close to you.


Our annual summer tradition is to share the most important things I’ve learned from other people throughout the month of July. This summer we have 20 lessons. You will receive one a day until we are done. If you feel particularly moved and want to share a reaction, please ​reply​! 


Cheers!


Frederick