I had lunch with my business partner, Joe, today and he told me a story about his son that fits with the theme of this week’s newsletter I decided to explore over the weekend when I was blown away by some small bit of progress that my kids made.
First though, I want to say that while I write what I know, which all contributors to the page should do, I understand that not everyone has the same set of circumstances I do so I hope the theme is universal enough to reveal the lessons or that perhaps you can expand your “definition” of say “children” for example to include any time you were surprised by the progress of someone or something.
There is such a sense of pride that comes with watching your child develop a personality like the youngest seemed to just this morning and a sense of pride when you see your oldest grasp a bit of language that was not available to him the day before.
We asked Axel if he wanted to say goodnight to Lennon and he said that “he was busy.” Okay. Fine. You are entitled to spend your free time how you please, but then a few minutes later he says, “Okay. I’m available.” You’re what? You're three and a half, where did you learn the word “available” and how is it possible you can use it properly? I am not sure it should be, but the grasp and proper usage is so surprising and heartwarming to see him round into a complete person in front of my eyes.
Lennon was sitting between my wife, Laura, and I this morning and gesturing wildly with her hands while babbling the whole time looking back and forth between us, throwing in a smirk for good measure here and there. She had stories to tell!
Progress from little developing people is both obvious and nuanced. Obvious because of its inevitability. So, in the grand scheme of things it is not particularly novel, but the particular direction your kids choose to develop is nuanced and surprising and special.
No one watches over our progress in the same way. More often than not no one even notices the little steps we take towards a better version of ourselves. Sure, maybe our parents still do in some way, maybe our partners could tell you how far you have come if pressed, maybe we pay a coach to keep tabs on our progress, and maybe if we are lucky, we have a mentor that will cheer us on semi-regularly. So we have to do it for ourselves.
My assertion is that we should delight in our own progress the way an adult feels elated by a surprising child. That way the incremental climb towards a better or more productive or fitter you feels encouragement along the way and not only after a major milestone. This would be such a good motivator. So next time you complete a project in a more efficient manner or run your customary route 30 seconds faster or break your record for one on one prospect meetings in a month I want you to giggle to yourself the way you would after hearing your son use the word “available” for the first time.
The other point to consider is that our progress is not always going to be obvious and yet it is so important to know that advances are being made everyday provided you are sitting in a growth mindset seat.
Speaking of sons, Joe’s son Thomas, who is 7ish, learned a lesson in economics that made his dad proud. Joe is good with money and appreciates a deal and so he was thrilled when Thomas asked to go to Walgreens to take advantage of the after Valentine’s Day candy discount. He spent his own money on a haul and even got something for his sister!
