Redefine The Challenge

Have you ever seen Kenneth Branagh’s movie Henry V? If not, get it on DVD! The enactment of a miraculously redirection in military history is worth it all. Greatly outnumbered by the French at the Battle of Agincourt, Henry offered a speech so stirring and inspiring that his troops fought with vigor transcending that of which they previously seemed capable.

The king spoke of the glory of England and how history would look back on that day. By doing this, he reframed his troops’ view of the forthcoming event as not merely a battle, with the odds stacked against them, but as one of the greatest encounters of history. Win or lose, his men would forever be remembered as the valiant soldiers that they were. And while that might not be true, he sure did get them fighting.

So, too, we hear of coaches who give halftime pep talks that turn their teams around and enable them to achieve victory. Or, at least we see this stuff in the movies.

Generally speaking, unpleasant tasks don’t tend to get any more pleasant with the passage of time. Certain tasks that are delayed, such as cleaning out the stables, get much worse over time. So, if you have to do something, you might as well take care of it now. There is often no advantage in putting off the task.

The problem most often arises when you perceive a task as difficult, inconvenient, or scary. This is when you are likely to shift into procrastination mode. If you reframe the task, however mundane it may seem, as something contributing to your long-term prosperity, growth, career advancement, or domestic tranquility, you’ll be far more productive.

You may protest! “How can a mundane task be exalted?” Usually it’s not the task itself that is vital but what the task represents, which could encompass:

• Keeping your word.
• Displaying your professionalism.
• Maintaining Personal Discipline.
• Serving as a model for others.
• Breaking past old barriers.

Remember, even the smallest seeds cab yield a bountiful harvest.


Regards,


Timben