As adults, we know that success in the current fast-paced environment is driven by continually learning and applying that knowledge to our work, business, health and life.
However, sometimes we are so focused juggling daily decisions and tackling complex challenges, that we forget the simple success strategies that we already know.
As I watched the children in my neighborhood play, I noticed these 5 childlike behaviors that we can apply each day to achieve better results.
Learn by Doing
No one ever learned to ride a bike by reading books or watching videos about bicycles. The only way to learn to ride a bicycle is by doing it. Of course, there is also value in gathering information by reading or watching experts, but ultimately, the only way to truly learn anything is to start practicing it. You may fall a few times, but you’ll learn a lot faster if you just get on the bike and start pedaling.
If You Fall, Get Up Again
In fast pace of life and business, we have become convinced that if success is not achieved quickly, then it simply isn’t attainable. We allow ourselves to get discouraged easily. We try something once or twice and, if it doesn’t turn out exactly as planned, we decide “I’m just not good at that.” Children realize that falling is part of the experience. They cry a little, then pick themselves up and try again. As adults, if we take the opportunity to learn from the mistakes we made, we improve our chances with each new attempt.
Be Curious
Every parent has experienced the never-ending series of “why?” from their child, and too often, after several rounds of answers, they exhaustedly reply “because I said so.” If you can get past the frustration, you realize that asking “why?” can make you think more carefully about your assumptions.
Children’s natural curiosity helps them to learn more quickly because they realize they don’t have all the answers. They next time you are trying to solve a problem or make a big decision, take the time to ask powerful questions, repeatedly, and be genuinely curious about the answers.
Take Time to Nap
Okay, maybe not literally. The point is, if you are constantly in overdrive or always exhausted, your ability to think creatively and effectively will dwindle. According to SleepFoundation.org, 20–30 minute naps can restore alertness, enhance performance and reduce mistakes.
Use Your Imagination
As we get older, we become accustomed to memorizing facts and accepting “reality.” We don’t get a chance to practice using our imagination often in daily activities. Young children have incredibly active imaginations — they see forts instead of bed sheets and castles instead of empty boxes. When you are trapped in a particular area of your business, engage your imagination to see it differently. Let go of what you already know and explore the possibilities.
In fact, try this… imagine its one year later and you achieved tremendous success. Now close your eyes and visualize all of the changes you see and the actions you will to take.