Rachel Allison
Have you ever heard the phrase, “If you will do for “X” minutes everyday what no one else is willing to do, you will in “X” year(s) be able to do what no one else CAN do?
My husband heard this phrase used years ago at a business conference and he used it numberless times while encouraging our children.
“If you will do for 60 minutes every day, (practice the piano) what so many are unwilling to do, you will in two years be able to do what they will not be able to do.”
He would use it when, at times our children became discouraged with Jr. High and High School sport’s programs. “If you will do for three hours everyday what most are unwilling to do, within four years you will be able to do what they will never be able to do.”
He also used it when they would complain about our rules of no television or video games during the week. “If you won’t do what so many of your friends spend their time doing, but instead focus that time to homework and study, you will in four years go places they will never be able to go, and you will have opportunities they will never have.”
At the time, I don’t think our children fully appreciated this council, but as adults, they certainly see its wisdom.
This phrase has been going through my head for the past two weeks, and I find myself applying it to many different situations.
“If I will take 30 minutes every day to read…”
“If I will take 30 minutes everyday to organize a closet or drawer…”
“If I will exercise just 30 minutes everyday…”
“If I will make the time to communicate with my husband for 30 minutes everyday…”
“If I will take 30 minutes every day to communicate with my children and/or grandchildren…
I know what you may be thinking right now. “There aren’t enough 30 minutes in a day to do all that needs to be done.”
True, but I have also created a challenge for myself to see how I can use the same 30 minutes to do multiple things. For example:
I can throw a load of laundry into the washer, walk (exercise)with my husband, and communicate with him…three things accomplished at the same time! And I know if I get real creative I can add one or two more things to the same 30 minutes. Love it!
Following through with this plan of action has made me realize that it’s the consistent time spent that makes a difference in our lives and the lives of those we love. Self-discipline and prioritizing these precious moments of our lives can, and do add quality to our lives and dimension to our relationships.