What would happen if we chose to…?
(an exercise in possible “What if’s” as modeled by thought leader Seth Godin)
- Say what we mean, without being mean
- Treat each day as an experiment, not an exam
- Remember that everyone was a helpless baby, once
- Trust that our actions ripple outwards indefinitely
- Wear kind-colored glasses
- Find unusual role models
- Have hearts first, brains second
- Assume we don’t know what it took for each person to make it this far
What are your “what if’s”?
Write them down quickly, then mull them over. Revise as needed, while staying true to your impulses.
Each should be a choice you can make to set the tone of interactions and shape desirable outcomes.
Like what you wrote? Not sure? Want to share? Oh goodie!
We’re constructively nosy and delighted by how people maintain a worldview, so copy-paste your “what if’s” in the text box here. We’ll get back to you quickly to talk about how to turn your bullet points into a bullet-proof college admissions essay.
Process Notes; (don’t be afraid to) imitate your role models! What if it helps?
This post was made in mimicry of a list by Seth Godin, a man I admire as a writer, think-er, and do-er– His writing is short, tight, and loaded.
In fact, his original list is so good I’ll quote his whole entry right here. But if you like it, you should take the extra finger trouble to visit his blog and subscribe.
Seth Godin’s Original List of “What If’s…”
“What would happen…
if we chose to:
Get better at setting and honoring deadlines
Help one more person, each day
Sit in the front row
Ask a hard question every time we go to a meeting
Give more and take less
Learn to master a new tool
Ask why
All of these are choices, choices that require no one to choose us or give us permission.
Every time I find myself wishing for an external event, I realize that I’m way better off focusing on something I can control instead.”
So try it yourself, writers. It’s quick, harmless and potentially profound.
Now what?
Did you do your imitation, but now you’re not sure if your “What if?” is pure plagiarism or brilliantly individual? Send it along here. We’ll give you our rates for feedback and forward momentum in return. We believe in learning from our teachers directly, and want to encourage you to do the same. What if it works?
PS- That baby up there
See the image of the newborn contented in the dark? Trusting the hand that holds it, and resting there? We aspire to that. To the newborn, everything is possible. No one world view has given it brain-freeze. The newborn is open and always learning.
