Don't Drive Angry...
Phil Connors lived the same day over and over again until he got it right. And it took him a while because he couldn’t see that what needed changing most wasn’t the groundhog, the winter weather, the day of the week, even his frenemy, Ned Ryerson. It was him.
Ever feel like Phil?
But if you’re anything like us, you don’t like looking foolish and not being a boss the first time around. Frankly, we need to get over ourselves. We’re going to practice and pay attention, ask advice and begin the messy process of goofing up, owning up and learning from it. This is what it means to be a grown up. (Don’t hate us for being Wise.)
So in the spirit of Groundhog Day (the holiday and the movie starring Bill Murray), we thought we’d make a list of some of the mistakes we won’t be making twice. The ones that stuck with us, scared us straight and knocked a little sense into us. Because learning from your mistakes is no laughing matter (except in the movies). Learn vicariously through us and don’t:
And finally, a quote from legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant: ‘When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: admit it, learn from it and don’t repeat it.’
- Shop too long with a toddler. Remember, books, electronics and snacks need to last you through checkout. Push it too long with a happy toddler and they might turn on you just when you’re most vulnerable – in the checkout lane with a full cart and a captive audience.
- Cut your own bangs. Don’t.
- Burn bridges. We’re not advocating being a doormat or saying that you shouldn’t be a straight shooter. But whether you believe in good/bad karma, it’s a small world after all. Do the right thing. You won’t regret it.
- Email angry. Have a rule to hold on to an angry email for at least an hour. We say sleeping on it is even better. Then reread ‘Don’t burn your bridges.’
- Forget to say thank you. Two. Magic. Words. They will turn things around, change someone’s mind, make someone’s day and restore someone’s faith in humanity. Gratitude will change you, too.
- Text while driving. Please don’t.
- Use it all without getting more. Think ibuprofen, eggs, gas for the mower, stamps, chips (what’s worse than a bag that’s put back in the pantry with crumbs?) and toilet paper. At the very least, leave a note.
- Say yes to everything. You will end up disappointing someone. Pleasing everyone all of the time is not possible. Remember, saying no to something means saying yes to something more important. Make room for what matters most.
- Run with scissors. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
- Wait to tell someone how you feel. More time isn’t guaranteed.
- Drive angry. A little tribute to the Phils but something that never ends well in the real world either. Did you know that according to safemotorist.com that 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving? And emotional or aggressive driving can also lead to fender benders, speeding and pricey tickets. Or so we’ve heard.