I’m a big fan of Josh Medcalf. He writes and talks and thinks on how to help others get to where they want to go as well as anyone I’ve studied. (Thanks, Nuge, for introducing us to Josh’s work!)

We all have moments when we want to take the easier path, when we don’t feel like to doing (fill in the blank). I want to relay one of Josh’s stories that speaks directly to this point. The following is from Chop Wood Carry Water, pages 79-80.

—-

“John, do you remember me talking to you a few days ago about how it took me a long time to learn to live principles, not feelings?”

John nodded, quietly acknowledging that he had.

Akira (John’s teacher) went on, “Like I said, just like you I had quite a hot head when I was younger. I made many stupid and careless choices that caused others and myself much pain. Thankfully, I had a mentor in my life who brought me out of that and taught me about living by principles.

When I was about your age, he had seen me react to several different situations.

Finally, he asked me a very simple question: ‘How is your strategy of living by your feelings working out for you?’ I got very quiet and had to admit that it wasn’t working out very well at all. He then shared a quote from a man named Eric Thomas, ‘At the end of your feelings is nothing. But at the end of every principle is a promise.’

Many days, you are not going to feel like working out and honing your craft.

Many days, you are not going to feel like treating people really well.

Many days, you are not going to feel like being unconditionally grateful.

Many days, you are not going to feel like giving your best.

But the principle says you are going to reap what you sow.

The principle says that diligent workers are going to serve kings instead of ordinary men.

The principle says to turn the other cheek.

At the end of principles, there is life, freedom, hope, joy, and peace.”

—-

I don’t know about you but there are a lot of moments I feel like ‘mailing it in.’ These were especially prevalent for me in the middle half of the school year!

Not finishing that last rep in the gym or listening to the rumor rather than looking for the truth or not sending that ‘thank you’ note… I have lots of opportunities not to do my best.

But….

But Josh is right. At the end of “I don’t feel like it…” is nothing. No change, no learning, no advancement.

Campers, when your parents hear “I don’t feel like it…”, they’ll smile and say, “Well, we need to do it anyway.” Doesn’t matter if you are talking about making your bed or doing the dishes or your homework or getting up for that early morning workout.

You see, it’s not so much about doing that one thing. Their response is about them helping build habits that lead to a healthier life.

The response is based on the principle that only determined, consistent effort gives you a chance to excel. That gratefulness makes for a happier life. That planning for challenges while working towards and hoping for the best beats blind optimism every time.

I know it’s easier to let whatever it is you don’t want to do slide. I’ve done it myself. But, if you stick to your principles and do the work, be grateful, act with courage, and choose your attitude, there will be a lot of good at the other end. A LOT!

Have a great weekend!

Cole

Our first night of each session is fantastic. The energy in the dining hall is palpable. Kids are smiling, the
music is pumping, and counselors are entertaining everyone at their table. It’s a grand experience!

At the end of the meal, I welcome everyone to the most amazing summer of their lives and, once the roar dies down, cover our three, non-negotiable rules. The last of the rules is this:

You don’t have to like everyone but you do have to be kind.

Living in a small, tight night community is exhilarating, fun, hilarious, and, sometimes, very rarely a little bit… challenging. A bunkmate may say something you don’t take very well. One of the younger campers may have – inadvertently, of course – bent the rules in Gaga. You may have had a frustrating practice session on stage – those lines are tough! – and are short with your buddies. That one other camper… you two just don’t fit, you know what I mean?

I get it! There are times when it can be really tough to be kind. But those are the times when we have to double down and focus on what we can control – our reaction.

The Importance of Kindness

There was a very smart person who shaped my thinking on attitude and the power we have over our reactions – Dr. Henry James. He also talked about the importance of kindness:

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”

Now, you might be thinking, “But, Cole, being kind to someone who deserves to be yelled at is wrong, it’s being weak! I mean, c’mon – that kid was cheating!”

I completely disagree. Kindness comes from an internal strength that, like courage, can be built over time. Being rude or angry comes from a place of weakness. As Kahill Gibran said, “To belittle, you have to be little.”

(Regarding the cheating, – ask the counselor. They’ll be happy to help out!)

We all have a bit of weakness in us. It comes from our insecurity and our fear. I’ve never met someone without at least a little bit of those things in them. Thankfully, I’ve also known lots of people who are strong and patient and kind and tender in every situation. Many of them are at Weequahic.

Those who are consistently kind have made the decision, over and over again, to act and react a certain way. They don’t just think some kind thoughts or benignly smile on the sidelines. No, they are active in their kindness. They reach out, share kind words, help someone up with a smile, provide consequences in a gentle way. And, they treat everyone they meet this way – those who can help them and those who can’t.

It Takes Practice

No, they are active in their kindness. They reach out, share kind words, help someone up with a smile, provide consequences in a gentle way. And, they treat everyone they meet this way – those who can help them and those who can’t.

This takes a lot of time to build this habit. It’s not the most natural thing for everyone. Like learning a language or understanding finance, it comes easier some people. That doesn’t make it less important, though.

So do your best to start building your kindness muscles now. Like any other habit you want to develop, takes intention, time and practice to build. Start today: be the reason someone smiles today. Funny thing is, it’ll make your day, too!

Funny thing is, it’ll make your day, too!

Have a great weekend,

Cole