John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach

"You have the greatness and the power.  I just help you turn on the switch."

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

 

May 2, 2011 - Issue 120  

 

Oh to be a Foolish Babbling "Da-da" 

This is the fourth issue in a series on Mastery.  Click here for issues 116, 117 and 119.    

I acknowledge as a resource for this article George Leonard's  

"Mastery-the Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment."

 

Father and son image   
Dear ,

John ImageWelcome to Issue 120.  If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now.  The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. 

 

Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.

 

MASTERY AND THE FOOL
There is a real connection between Mastery and the Fool.  I am not using the term "fool" as a stupid or non-thinking person.  Since Mastery is a process and a journey, we want a sense of beginning and openness, like a child.

A GREAT "DA DA" STORY
Have you ever seen an 18 month old infant begin to talk?  It sounds like babbling, which B.F. Skinner, behaviorist, describes as the "free operant."  What is the father's reaction when the baby says "da da?"  What if the father sternly says to the infant, "No, no son.  That is wrong. IT'S DAD-DY.  IT'S DAD-DY."  And then the father keeps correcting the baby.  Some experts say the baby might never learn to talk or would have psychological problems.  Fortunately, most fathers are encouraging.  Eventually the infant says "dad" and then "dad-dy."  And the father showers even more encouragement.
EXERCISE
I invite you to:
  1. REFLECT on ways you were not allowed to be the "fool."  In what ways were you not allowed to be playful, free, childish, and creative?  In other words, ways in which you were not allowed to make "mistakes" on your journey.  (Please do not judge your teachers, parents, peers, or former bosses for not allowing you to be this creative fool.  They just didn't know any better.  And, of course, you don't stay in the past but always look forward.
  2. BE A FOOL.  HAVE SOME FUN.  Now take one area of your life and experiment making mistakes and being the "fool."  It could be a business idea, a business promotion, a hobby, learning to dance, buying an X-Box dance machine, or getting a Wii machine and simulate bowling, tennis, etc.  Or it could be a new hairstyle, a new hat, a new dressing style.  Or maybe learning golf, piano, tennis, juggling, magic, a foreign language, painting, giving a presentation or speech.
  3.  TELL SOMEONE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.  Ask someone to encourage you to make a bunch of "mistakes."  Of course, I'd like to hear from you.  And have fun!
  4. ASK FOR HELP.  If you think you need some help, then I encourage you to get some lessons, get a teacher or get a coach.  It is easy, just pick up the phone. [John is currently accepting a few new coaching clients.] 

Jester on Bike Image 

  


"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."   

- George Bernard Shaw

 

REVISED:  JOHN'S BIO
John has owned several businesses, is an attorney, and has practiced in the estate and business areas.  In addition, he coaches businesses owners, executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, speech makers and presenters.  He also coaches persons who are considering a career move or retirement.  He is also a life coach.
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