Sometimes it’s a good idea to just STOP. Ask yourself, “What
did I do today?” You can’t answer, “Nothing” because
you are doing something right now. Often we rush through the
day then say, “I didn’t do anything all day.”
Perhaps
you should make a mental note of what you do as the day progresses.
You may make a new acquaintance or even meet
your next best friend. You may encounter a past acquaintance,
one you were on a “hello” basis with but never
took the time to stop and chat. If you enjoyed their company
in the past, stop and take the time to get reacquainted.
You may help them along in their day by giving them advice
or better
yet, they may be eager to help you with a project.
If
what I noted above was the case, you probably thought you
had not accomplished much, but if you learned how to
do something,
you’re ahead. So you did do something today. You
may not use the knowledge you gained for some time, but
it still
should be counted as an accomplishment.
When
you run into old friends you haven’t seen in a long
time, pause and ask how they have been, chat for a while. You
don’t have to see friends often to be friends, and it’s
fun to find out how they are going about their lives. Ask what’s
changed since you last met or what major life events
may have occurred. If you were not aware of them, you
may wish
to offer
congratulations or sympathy. A day can be counted as
great if you just stop, enjoy a few moments by inserting
an unintended
visit; over a cup of coffee or maybe a beer.
If you ran into a new person you just recently met and you
want to be friends with them, you have to make the effort.
It really can be just that easy.
For
some of us, the suggestion of making a mental note is not
too helpful because we tend to forget easily.
Why not
get a
notebook; each day, date the top of the page and
log the day’s
experiences and encounters. If you were introduced to someone,
note his or her name (all of us forget names), how and where
you met and what they said that interested you. You may have
learned you have a common hobby or activity. The next day,
start out by reading what you noted the day before — you
may have started something you wish to continue.
If
you list all your activities, when you’re bored, read
your daily notebook to see if there is something you forgot
to complete or someone you meant to call. That call may result
in the current day’s achievement.
OK,
so if you note — mental or written — a day’s
activities and recall all of your actions, you will find you
can’t say, “I didn’t do a thing all day.” If
you check your notes, you may remember something
you wanted to do today.
I
recently had an experience that made me think about the advice
I’m offering. I sought
out an old friend who gave me great advice
that helped
me. That
same day,
I was
able to help
him with something he was doing. We had a chance
to chat and I caught up on some events in his
life. During
the
encounter with my old friend, I met someone
I hope will be a new friend
and I have learned a lot from him already.
I’m pretty good with the mental notes, but have to admit
the file drawer is getting full, so I took my own advice and
started a notebook. It’s not that organized,
but I do find it helpful.