Wheelbarrow resolutions
The Great Blondin - the man who invented the high wire act, announced to the world that he intended to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. More than five thousand people gathered to watch. Halfway across, Blondin suddenly stopped, steadied himself, back flipped into the air, landed squarely on the rope, and then continued safely to the other side. Blondin crossed the Falls again and again; blindfolded, carrying a stove, in chains, and on a bicycle. Just as he was about to begin yet another crossing, this time pushing a wheelbarrow, he turned to the crowd and shouted, "Who trusts that I can cross pushing this wheelbarrow?" Every hand in the crowd went up. Blondin pointed at one man:
"Do you trust that I can do it?" he asked.
"Yes, I trust you can." said the man.
"Are you certain that you trust me?" said Blondin.
"Yes" said the man.
"Absolute trust? Absolutely certain?"
"Yes, absolute trust, with absolute certainty."
"Thank you," said Blondin, "please get into the wheelbarrow."
“Hmmmmmmmm” said the man.
Consider the story you just read. Do your words of trust follow your actions to create trust? Do you say one thing about your relationships in your life, yet lack follow through? Relationships are built through trust. Relationships are built through actions. Trust is a dynamic process of successively making and honoring commitments. It is an emotional skill that must be continuously cultivated through actions and practices. In fact, without the practice of trust, the understanding of trust means nothing. Trust is not simply an atmosphere or environment; it involves continuous acts of giving trust and earning trust.
The foundation, strength and success of every relationship are determined by the level of trust. A high-trust relationship, one characterized by cooperation, uplifting and positive communication, and inspiring work done together, gives us amazing energy – energy that carries forth into all areas of our life. We find ourselves happier, more effective and open to new ideas.
Trust requires constant vigilance and action. Begin thinking about every relationship you have in terms of the wheelbarrow. Who trusts you to be in their wheelbarrow? Who's wheelbarrow are you in? And how you can improve trust every day with every interaction in these relationships?
Challenge yourself to think about your 2007 resolutions in a new way; make a commitment to build and strengthen your relationships! Every goal you set, each dream you desire, and all future aspirations are achieved through powerful and trusting relationships. Relationships serve every role and function in our life – including the relationship we have with ourselves.
List all the important relationships you have in your life. To do this more effectively, think about every role you have; leader, boss, employee, spouse, parent, friend, etc., and consider the relationship(s) attached to each. What actions will you take to build trust in each of these relationships? Think about the following questions regarding each of your relationships:
- How will I be clearer in my communication?
- How will I demonstrate my respect?
- What wrongs will I right?
- How will I show loyalty?
- What results will I deliver?
- How will I clarify expectations?
- What commitments will I make (and keep!)?
- How will I extend trust?
- What will I hold myself accountable for?
Once we begin to think about our life in terms of our relationships, and take action to reinforce them daily, all our goals actually become easier to meet. When we surround ourselves with people who we trust we get more accomplished. Delegating work becomes easier because we know we can count on the people we work with. New challenges invigorate us, and we know we have people who will encourage us. When we make the goal of building trust we make the strongest resolution because we turn to these relationships to help us meet every goal we set.
Create a successful 2007 for you, and for every person you share a wheelbarrow with!
