While sitting at swim school yesterday afternoon, I watched a toddler defy his mother. He’d walk over to the door to the pool and push on it. He’d then smile with a cute, devilish grin.
The kid was what you’d call a handful and probably will become a politician.
The mom would tell him no. And then he’d squawk at her — back-talking her before he could even talk. For the next 30 minutes, she constantly told him no — no, don’t climb on that chair. No, don’t go into that dressing room. No, don’t leave the building. And he’d keep giving her that devilish smile and squawk when he heard no. He was pushing the envelope, testing the boundaries and seeing how much he could get away with. She was doing a good job setting his boundaries (no one wanted him to fall into the pool!) But she was obviously frustrated. Anyone who has had a toddler can understand how she felt.
Thank goodness he was cute. She’d probably put him on eBay.
I’m going to make a prediction here — he’s going to get into some trouble in his life. And I’ll make another prediction, he’s going to be a pretty big success — as long as he never loses his ability to keep testing the boundaries.
Testing boundaries. That’s something we as adults forget how to do. We play it safe because of our the lust for security. Oh we need security. There’s our mortgage. And we have to have health insurance (trust me on that one, we need it). We work safe jobs and live safe lives.
I’m guilty as charged. After my cancer, I craved security. I feared change. But life isn’t safe. And trying to achieve security by not changing is an illusion. I think the safest way to live is to be like my little toddler friend. Keep pushing the boundaries within reason (don’t jump off a cliff or anything). Escape the comfort zone (try new things every day). Smile when caught (it’s sometimes better to ask forgiveness) and squawk when told no (don’t settle for an ordinary life).
Every bit of success I’ve had in my career happened after I pushed against my boundaries — when I tried something new. I appreciate my toddler friend giving me a little reminder. And I pray for his mom’s sanity.
As always, great article. Just as a note, I used part of your article about the snow angels of Atlanta in a recent speaking engagement. You were credited, of course. It solidified my point of “Leading From the Heart.”
Good stuff! Must be that Sprayberry education that worked its magic on you :)
Sprayberry taught us well — in many ways.