The grass isn’t greener on the other side.
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to be able to see Jerry Seinfeld perform a live set in a small theatre in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City. He had so many wonderful stories, insights and anecdotes. Whilst I laughed loud at the time, and was blown away by his ability to observe and craft a story, I struggle to remember more than a couple of stories he mentioned.
Cognitive Psychologist George A. Miller created what is known as Miller’s Law. Miller’s Law is commonly understood to mean that in our short term memory, on average, humans can remember seven things, plus or minus two.
When I present programs for clients they will often look on with awe at ideas and topics. Despite having a workbook they still want to write down everything in the hope that doing so they will magically remember everything. Many come up to me after sessions and ask how I know or remember all the things I share?
There is no secret, other than I do what I do every day and have for the past twenty plus years. Given that time, you’d like to think I know what I am talking about.
The old adage the grass is greener on the other side is taken to mean that we think life is or looks much better when we look at how others do it or have it but without necessarily reflecting on what WE have. The feeling that I want whatever it is someone else can leave you feeling like you are missing out. But you aren’t you are simply on a different learning journey.
Whenever I read a book, watch a Ted talk, or attend an event I focus on achieving or learning one thing and not trying to remember everything.
Want to increase your productivity and reduce your stress with Excel?
Instead of trying to become an Excel guru, try learning one thing at a time.
Practice or apply that one thing over and over again until it becomes embedded in your everyday and then move onto something else.
The grass isn’t greener on the other side, you just need to start watering your own grass and watch it grow.
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