What Children Can Teach Us about Vision
Photo Credits: Moyan Brenn
When we were children, we saw the world differently. Cause and effect were more closely related and we believed in the impossible. Over the Easter weekend, a friend told me a story about two young brothers. The youngest, just turning five years old, was excited for the Easter Bunny to stop by their house and hide eggs throughout their yard. But he was concerned the Easter Bunny wouldn’t have time to get to his house. He asked his older brother how the Easter Bunny could visit everyone’s house in one night. Santa could do it because he has a sleigh and reindeer but what does the Easter Bunny have? The older brother responded, “Tunnels that run under ground all over the world.” Both boys went to bed confident they would have plenty of eggs to search for in the morning.
Even at a young age, we are able to question and see challenges. But something happens as we get older. Instead of being satisfied with a simple answer, we become caught in the details. These can become so numerous we are paralyzed by the complexity of the situation. Even though it is impossible to get around the world in one night through tunnels, this story is a good representation of a complicated problem children are able to solve with belief and vision. To them this seems a do-able solution.
Now, consider the challenges you face. Do you see a wall of complications in front of you? How would looking at your challenge with more of a child-like vision enable you to see beyond this wall and ultimately believe you can do anything that is in front of you?
What can we learn from the characters of children?
1. Help others. These brothers found the answer to the problem together. The younger did not stop believing because he didn’t know how it would be possible for the Easter Bunny to travel around the world. Instead he sought out advice.
2. Take on Challenges Head On. What if the Easter Bunny couldn’t make it to these little boys’ house? They wouldn’t have received any eggs! The youngest brother did not sit quietly by himself and worry he would miss out. Instead he searched for answers.
3. Simplify! When you see that wall of challenges rising in front of you, break it down brick by brick. What is the ultimate goal? What are the major accomplishments you need achieve to reach it? What are the steps to reach those?
4. Believe in the impossible! This is your vision and your dream. Remember to believe in it with the same vision that children believe in the Easter Bunny. There will always be people who tell you you can’t. Work hard, keep believing and you will.
Ohhh…Out of the “mouth of babes”….
WOW! This is so true. We often worry too much and give up too sound we give up the opportunity to solve a challenging situation. We cloud out vision because of our disappointment. We need to stay focused on the big Picture. This is an amazing article and applicable at sooo many levels in life. Just when you think you know a topic, there is always someone that walls in to your life and puts their own colors on the meaning giving you that fresh new prospective. This is food for the Soul, no doubt. I wish I were a kid again!! Thanks for Sharing!!
God is real
I LOVE this, Ryan!!! Behaving like a child really will set you free! Many years ago, when studying for my mediation certification, I read a fantastic Bill Ferguson book that stated just this. Bill also said that we should approach conflict like children, too…children get mad about something, let it out, and move on…no resentment, no future problems! Thanks for this reminder!