My three-year-old grandson has managed to make it this far in life without eating a vegetable. In spite of his parents’ numerous efforts and strategies, he simply refuses to eat them. He appears to thrive on a diet of macaroni and cheese, apples, meat, bread, and sweets.
Recently, Amma asked him why he doesn’t even try vegetables. His response was: “I just can’t. I will try them when I am four.”
He understands that vegetables are good for people to eat and that he should try them. However, he has successfully delayed what he believes to be a negative experience and pushed it out to a future date. This delightful little guy is already acting like many adults.
How many times have we avoided tackling a difficult task, pushing out a sensitive conversation, delaying a decision, or tabling a business strategy? Often, we recognize that the issue at hand is important to our personal, family, or business success. However, the unpleasantness, timing, limited resources, energy required, impact on relationships or hassle factors make it easier for us to not act on it.
Here is a thought for the coming new year. Let’s learn from the wisdom of this innocent child. When you face something that you know will be good for you, your family, or your business, but anticipate hurdles, don’t put it off indefinitely. Set a hard date on when you will take action and then follow through.
You may be like him and discover that some vegetables taste good.