The other morning, I went swimming, as I do most week days. What made this day different is that I took a six-year-old with me.
When we got to the pool, we were excited about swimming. We stepped into the water in the three-foot end and that’s when the six-year-old began complaining. “The water is cold. I don’t like my swim suit. My goggles hurt my eyes. I want to quit swimming and just float. Why can’t I go talk to the other people in the pool? Why do I have to be here? I want to go home.”
After about five minutes of this nonsense, I stopped swimming, sat on the pool step and had a chat with the six-year-old. I explained all the reasons that the pool was important and said, “Suck it up Buttercup, you’re going to finish swimming.”
I’m sure that sounds a bit harsh, especially when talking to a six-year-old, except when the six-year-old was ME! Yep, all that whining was going on in MY head as I was swimming laps.
How many times has your “six-year-old” shown up to try and distract you from what is really important? Think about that Saturday morning when you woke up with a long list of things to do. The next thing you know, it’s dinner time and you’ve spent the day doing fun stuff. It was a great day, but you still have that to-do list.
I don’t know about you, but my six-year-old gets her way a lot more often ALWAYS wins.
The problem is that later I feel guilty about not doing what I said I would do. Sometimes I’m letting myself down. Sometimes, my childish decisions let other people down. “Adulting” is hard work.
While Tinkering With Success, my goal for the next month is to focus on doing the important tasks first and then having fun. Of course, balance in all things. If a unique opportunity presents itself, I won’t pass it up so that I can wash my dishes. On the other hand, completing adult tasks must trump fun, especially if the task is a commitment that I made to myself or someone else.
Think about your life. Productive adult vs. whining “six-year-old”. May the best person win….at the right time.
Mary Logan
Hi Becky! Your writing is SO accurate; my 6 yr old self shows up often, especially when there are dishes to be done! 😂
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