Do you remember the old television show “Let’s Make a Deal” and the master dealmaker Monty Hall? People attended the show in hopes of being selected to negotiate a deal. Monty teased them with many options to complicate their decision-making. Everyone received something, but the people who made the right choices went home the happiest.
Life is like “Let’s Make a Deal” in that people make choices that are positively rewarded while others bring disappointment.
My sister sent me the “5 Things You Can’t Recover in Life.” I traced them back to a publication called “LifeHack.” I want to expand on each of these five important points.
A stone after it’s thrown. Anger can lead to unacceptable actions that we immediately regret. Hate has a way of bringing out the worst in people. Whether used to cover up feelings of fear or pain, hatred can quickly become all-consuming.
Remember that hatred blocks clarity. It causes you to be more impulsive and aggressive. Hate prevents you from seeing things that may be beneficial in solving problems. But attacking someone just because of who they are is destructive at every level. Learn to let hatred go and instead look for positive points instead.
Most of us have experienced feelings of hatred at one time or another. If you have wronged someone, you should make amends or at least apologize. An angry person is seldom reasonable; a reasonable person is seldom angry.
A word after it’s said. The damage of gossip is not easily undone. Many times the harm that gossip inflicts is irrevocable. The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a person six feet tall.
The Internet has brought gossiping up to warp speed. A rumor posted online can make it around the world in milliseconds. And although the post may seem anonymous and, therefore, “safe,” the damage is potentially irreparable.
Spreading rumors about co-workers can create a hostile environment that customers will pick up on. This is a good reason for avoiding gossip. Plus, the fact that I’ve seen many deals go down, due to gossip.
An occasion after it’s missed. Life’s most meaningful moments often happen when we’re present with others. Don’t miss the chance to be part of them. Personal events, such as family gatherings, birthdays or weddings, are prime opportunities to connect with loved ones and offer emotional support. Attending these events shows that you value your relationships and are willing to invest time in them. These events are often where cherished memories are made. By attending, you become part of stories that will be shared and remembered for years to come.
Events can offer networking opportunities. You might meet someone who shares your interests or can offer advice or support in your personal or professional life. Engaging with others in different settings can lead to personal growth. You might learn something new about yourself or gain a fresh perspective on life.
Time after it’s gone. Killing time isn’t murder – it’s suicide. Time is precious. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. And once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back. You are the only one who can waste your time.
Many people fail because they let time manage them rather than managing their time.
Remember that great pep talk delivered by USA Olympic Coach Herb Brooks before the gold medal hockey game at Lake Placid? (Hint – watch the movie “Miracle.”) His inspirational words to his young team: “This is your time.”
My advice to you: Repeat those words while facing your mirror every day. You will never get that time back. This is your time.
Trust after it’s lost. The most important five-letter word in business is T-R-U-S-T. Trust is central to doing business with anyone. Without it, you have another word that begins with T: Trouble. Trust can be fragile, especially in the workplace. Once it’s broken, few companies, managers or employees ever win it back.
At every level of every organization, workers need to understand the importance of keeping their word and living up to the organization’s values. Customers and co-workers want to know they can depend on management. Trust between managers and employees is crucial to the long-term enthusiasm, loyalty and productivity of the company. For any successful working relationship, trust is a must.
In other words, don’t rely on second chances. Get it right the first time.
Mackay’s Moral: Live your life carefully – there are no reruns.
