Working with toddlers the past few weeks, I’ve come to know the power of the words “time-out”…
When they’re misbehaving, we say, “Do you want to go to time-out?” or “Do it now or we’re going to time-out. 3… 2… 1”
The funny is, we’ve never actually put kids in time-out. I don’t even know where it is. (honestly we’d probably just make them sit on the floor next to us for 30 seconds 🤷♂️)
Anyway, just the threat of time-out is scary enough. The actual punishment really isn’t that bad.
If only they knew.
*****
This got me thinking… As adults we have the same fears about failures, mistakes or screwing up in life.
We get so scared of what might happen, that we comply with norms or give up on our dreams.
If WE only knew… Failure isn’t that bad.
In fact, big and scary consequences usually turn out to be the exact reset we need at the time.
Today: Don’t be scared of time-out. It’s not that bad, and you are not a toddler.
Happy Wednesday!
– Joel
Pic sent from Paul in Solana Beach, CA