CHILDHOOD LESSONS IN SELF-LEADERSHIP. RELEVANT THEN, AND RELEVANT NOW.

Did your parents or elders have some common sayings they shared frequently when you were a child? Things that were repeated to you during your childhood. Perhaps when you were not doing as much of the right thing as they thought you should be. Or perhaps when they were sharing their wisdom in a quiet conversation.

Of the everyday lessons in life and self-leadership gained during my childhood, I find many still have real relevance and meaning for me today.

Here are some of the sayings I remember from my childhood. You probably have your own versions.

◾Don’t just stand there and watch… help.

◾If you can’t say something helpful. Don’t say anything at all.

◾Do the right thing.

◾Don’t put off things you don’t want to do until tomorrow. Start today.

◾Do the work, then take the rest.

◾Doing the right thing can be hard. It’s still the right thing to do.

◾Say hello to people when you walk into the room.

◾If it was easy, everyone would do it.

◾Practice makes perfect.

◾You may not ever be the best at this, but you can become better.

◾If you don’t try, how will you know?

◾Take a walk in someone else’s shoes to better understand them.

◾It’s all fun and games, until it’s not.

◾Leave when the party is still going strong.

◾Don’t over stay your welcome.

◾Speak up about the things that matter.

◾Listen with respect.

◾Respect your elders.

◾Get your work done, then you can play.

◾Help your brother/sister.

◾You can do this.

◾You need to choose for yourself.

◾You can work it out between the two of you.

◾You can figure this out.

◾Have a think about it for yourself before you decide.

◾You don’t always get what you want. It’s up to you how you deal with it.

◾Just because everybody else does it, does that mean you should?

Some good reminders for everyday self-leadership.

What sayings do you remember from your childhood that might serve you today?

I’d love to know your thoughts.