Too often, we ignore the good reasons that should guide us, and we do things that are unreasonable, if not completely irrational. But reason can’t be ignored without consequence. If we defy what is reasonable, the “school of hard knocks” awaits us.
Under the right conditions, synergy is one of life’s marvels. We never give a greater gift than when we say, “I am willing to work with you. I am willing to learn from you. I am confident that your contribution will improve the overall result.”
Even when we’re sure we’re on the right track, it’s often helpful to have another set of eyes to look at our situation. Especially when an important decision has to be made, it’s good to consult with someone who can help us double-check our thinking.
I challenge you to stretch yourself and think about both your “perspicacity” and your “perspicuity.” How clearly do you perceive things and express them? Any progress you can make in either of these areas will be well worth whatever it costs you.
People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy. We learn best by paying close attention to good examples, so in all the more important areas of life, wouldn’t we profit from discipling ourselves to worthy masters?
Being wrong now and then is a part of the human condition. Rather than being embarrassed about our mistakes, the thing we should be embarrassed about is our failure to accept correction and make the necessary changes in our character and conduct.
Earnest people know how to focus their minds and give laser-like attention to important subjects. Unlike the careless and the distracted, the earnest understand that some things require our undivided attention and our concentrated thought.
When tempted to fear, we must remember that the “law of the farm” can be counted on. Whatever happens in the short-term, a good harvest will eventually be ours if we’ve cultivated our lives according to valid long-term principles.
Be a more practical person. Think carefully about what is right, but having considered the rightness of your ideas, go ahead and put them into practice. Be a good thinker, of course, but don’t just think. Pay attention to practicality.
It’s not enough to do what’s within our rights — if we care about the causes we’ve devoted ourselves to, we’ll also pay attention to what those around us deem fitting. Like it or not, appropriateness is a basic part of good character.
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