I’ve been a bit self reflective recently, I admit. I’m not sure what the deal is, hopefully not cancer of the brain or something.

Whatever is going on I ended up watching this video 4 times today. Its making the rounds on the interwebs. The video is of Sloan Churman, a 29 year old woman who is recorded as she hears ANYTHING for the very first time. Its truly an inspiring experience to watch.

The First Time is Special

Its a gift to be able to see things with fresh eyes and with a new perspective. Too often we get distracted by what we already know to look for what we don’t. Its hard, I admit (again).

But that’s one of the things that make sunsets so special. You can see a new one everyday even though its the same event. Same set of characters. Same circumstances. But its always an outcome that has some unique qualities to it.

I need more of that in my life.

The First Time Matters

I’ve come to a point in my life where my “firsts” come farther and farther apart from each other. The result is I’ve begin to lose that wonder that we experience when we do those things for the very first time. Life even becomes a bit drab. Or at least it can. And that everyday wonder I should have is robbed from me.

Its those firsts that remind me–us–that life matters. And that life is full of surprises. And I should look for those everyday; not just some days or one day soon.

Of course there is something to be said for seconds and thirds too. A lot to be said actually; but its the magic and wonder of the first time that makes it special even if it doesn’t make it practical.

Worth 5 Minutes? Yep.

One of my less endearing qualities (although I admit I have many) is impatience. Its never done fast enough. I’m never there soon enough. And I’m always getting ticked off about it.

I’m Getting Impatient

But the truth is, its usually done fast enough. I’m always there soon enough. And I’m getting mad for no good reason.

So I’m done. I’m getting impatient with my impatience. And I have an action step. Or at least a first step.

I’m taking 5 minutes. 

Its Always Worth It

Is there anything that isn’t worth taking 5 minutes for? I’m sure there is. Of course there is. Right?

But I don’t care. I’m going to take 5 minutes.

My neighbor wants to talk (again)? I’m going to take 5 minutes instead of blowing him off.

My friend wants to tell me one more story (again)? I’m going to take 5 minutes to listen.

I see a beautiful sunset? I’m taking 5 minutes to pull over and take that picture.

I’m Going to Take 5 Minutes

So effective immediately, I’ll be Taking 5 Minutes.

5 Minutes to pull over and take that picture.

5 Minutes to go look at the monkey’s in the trees (that don’t exist) down by the river with my 3 year old.

5 Minutes to sit down and give my wife my undivided attention when she asks for it.

5 Minutes to stop what I’m doing to do that thing that’s not as urgent, but probably more important.

No doubt this idea probably won’t change my life. But hopefully it’ll make it just a little better.

Is it hard for you to take 5 minutes out of your day to do the small things?

Those are my 3 words. At least today they are; its the best I can do on such short notice. I’m putting together my résumé and as I’ve been looking at others, one had their 3 words listed under their name (I wish I saved where I saw that, but I didn’t). I loved it. And it got me thinking, what are my 3 words? So today I spent some time thinking about that and this is what I came up with.

Leader. I’m a leader. In my family. In my business. Even in my interactions with others. Every day I have a choice to lead or relegate. I want to choose to lead, and lead well. What’s amazing about leadership is we are all given that choice every day. We are all leaders. Unfortunately we don’t always take that seriously or do it well. But I’m taking it seriously and I’m striving to do it exceptionally well in whatever situation I find myself with that one choice: lead or relegate.

Creator. I debated between creator and inventor. But I felt like inventor sounded like I was some mad scientist toiling away my evenings in the garage. I still wonder if creator is right. Perhaps innovator. Or explorer. Or visionary. Whatever the case is, its that certain way at looking at the world that brings clarity to chaos. It finds the best solutions to complex problems and ways to maximize opportunities while minimizing obstacles. Its that instinct, that way of thinking, that lets you create your own path and see your own vision. Its about helping and making others better because you can see in them what they have not yet seen. Its that creator gene. And I’m making it my 2nd word.

Storyteller. One of the greatest distances between us homo sapiens and all the other creatures in God’s Big Zoo is our ability to tell story. I love story. I could tell stories all the time. True stories, fake stories, those in-between stories. All of them. My favorite program (on any medium) is still This American Life because its all about story and the art of telling the story. I’ve learned more about being a storyteller from that program than all the other resources I’ve ever used to hone my craft. My future is in flex, but I do know that storytelling will always be part of it.

Update 01/31/10: So I did a google search for “my 3 words” and apparently this isn’t a novel idea… at all! Just wanted to let the internets know that before the self-assigned honesty police come on by to flame me!