Years ago, there was a game show on television called “Press Your Luck”. One of the catch phrases that came out of the show was “C’mon no whammies, no whammies, big bucks!” The contestants would watch a board as an array of monetary prizes would fill a screen, and a :whammy” would randomly pop up on the various screens covering the dollar amount. The idea was to press the button at the right time before a “whammy” would appear.
In reality, no person walks through life wishing for whammies. Or do they?
Often I hear people say they are going to do this or that on the weekend, but it will probably rain. Or, they will say they are going to attempt something new of different – but you know me – it will probably fail or not work out.
Understanding self talk is key to success. Managing or changing what you say to you is job one in personal growth. Gravitating away from the negative is second.
“Oh”, you say, “I am not a negative person.”
Really?
Try this…..get a pickle jar or a piggy bank….and every time you spew a negative comment at home, at work or anywhere else – put a quarter in the jar. BTW Yes, cursing counts as negativity.
Then, next week – let me know how ya did.
We often doom ourselves before we even start a project.
So, go ahead – try it. Then give the $$$ in the jar to a charity.
Back to whammies……………….
We all suffer whammies in our life. Some are caused by us, some caused by others, and some just happen.
What you do when hit with a whammy can make all the difference in the world.
Do you react? Do you respond? Reaction to something requires no mental thought, no processing and no regard for consequences. If you don’t believe me, just ask some of the guys in prison that I counsel / mentor. One inmate said it best, “15 seconds of reacting caused me 45 years of my life.”
You see, animals react. Humans have the capacity to respond. A response means you have allowed time to process or consider the consequences (no matter how brief that period of time may be).
A response allows time for the dust to settle from the damage done. A response enables the mind to work through the process so as little damage as possible is done (on both sides of the argument / debate / issue).
Whammies also allow leaders to shine. When a whammy happens, leaders automatically kick in to leadership mode. Leaders, much like firemen, run in to the fire – rather than doing what others do by running away from the fire.
Leaders – although not walking around wishing for a whammy – are ready and prepared to take action.
When a whammy hits – do you react, or do you respond?
Are you prepared to lead when the next whammy happens?
Until next week friends………………….count your quarters.
Ron Orendi
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