Get Sh*t Done

W*SDOM

Kids teach the value, purpose, surprise action, and the wisdom of WOW!

It’s a small world.

Twenty-five years ago I met Rob Gilbert. He was the editor of a monthly publication called Bits & Pieces. If you’re old, I’m sure you’ve heard of it, seen it, read it, or maybe even subscribed to it. If you’re young, Google it.

Bits & Pieces was a motivational, inspirational, and informative booklet that has, for decades, helped people create ideas and see things in a more positive light.

The other day I was looking at someone’s email magazine and found this story:

WOW!

Rob Gilbert then tells the story of a walk in the park. He saw a mother and her young daughter. The girl was holding a helium balloon tied to a string. Unexpectedly, the wind took the girl’s balloon and carried it away. Gilbert was ready to hear the girl burst into tears.

Instead, he was surprised to see the girl watch the balloon sail away and joyfully cry out, “Wow!”

For Rob Gilbert, the girl’s reaction was a lesson. Later in the day, when he was faced with a problem, instead planning for the worst, he said to himself, “Wow, that’s interesting. How can I help you?”

Life is full of problems – and solutions. You can never plan on the unexpected, but you can control your reaction to it.

As Gilbert wrote, “The next time you experience one of life’s unexpected gusts, remember the little girl and make it a “Wow!” experience. The “Wow!” response always works.

What an insight.

And, like I said, it’s a small world. In ...