See The Good and Possible In People

It is fairly easy to be a realist, but can you be a dreamer or a visionary? 

Stated in a different way, it’s easy to look at a person and simply see them as they are, but we could look at others and see them as their best.

You’ve most likely have heard the analogy using the thermometer and the thermostat. The former measures temperature. The latter measures and adjust temperature to reach a desired level. 

In other words, the thermometer tells you what is, while the thermostat tells you what’s possible. 

The thermometer represents the here and now and is purely reflective of the current surroundings. It’s black and white in its function. However, the thermostat represents a possible future. It’s proactive and influential. It believes the environment is not fixed and can change. 

Think of the thermometer as the realist. Yes, being realistic is of value, but it’s easy to point out what is, isn’t it? Pretty much anyone can be a realist. Just look at the facts, read the balance sheet, look at the scoreboard, etc. 

Now think of the thermostat as a dreamer or visionary. One that says, yes, I see what is, but I also see what could be. 

Today, I would like to take that representation and encourage you to apply it to people, including yourself. 

If you are a parent, a leader, or anyone that wants to positively influence the people around you, which approach and attitude do you think would be most effective? 

What if you choose to see them at their best and nothing less? To do this, John Maxwell suggests to place a “10” on the head of everyone you meet. Doing so places greater attention and focus on maximizing potential rather than placing a lid on it. 

One might ask, “are we just pretending that things are better than they actually are?” No, we are helping to change things into what they can become. That’s what really good leaders do – they ultimately make those around them better. Of course, that person must be open and willing to do the same. Be teachable, willing to learn and work to raise their level. Seeing the best and what is possible is an approach and perspective that can influence positive outcomes and change if needed.  

German Philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said "If you treat a person as he is, you make him worse. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, you help him to become what he is capable of being" 

We should all choose to be a thermostat for the people in our lives, including ourself. Quit being short-sighted and a harsh critic. I’m literally repeating that to myself this very moment.😬 Become a cheerleader for them and ourselves. Aim high for the best you can be and expect to hit it. 

Imagine the changes we all could influence and be part of if we decided to see the good and better in people. No limits or lids, but potential and possibilities. 

Do this for the next week. Encourage your kids heading back to school to join you. I bet you’ll be wonderfully surprised and happy you did. 

Always Cheering for you,

Brock 

P.S. We so much appreciate you being part of this movement – Goodness Created to be shared. Please pass this message along to the people you know and feel they’d benefit from reading it too. 

P.S.S. Be sure to check out the perfect treat that will surely help sweeten your Back-to-school routine.