Don’t you wish you knew exactly what others were thinking?
Imagine what it would be like if everyone had a TV monitor attached to their head where we could see their exact thoughts displayed. Their words might say one thing, but the screen would reveal what they were really thinking:
- What they say: “What a great color on you!”
- What they think: “I remember when that color was in style.”
- What they say: “I’m glad we got to spend some time together.”
- What they think: “Now I won’t feel guilty until we have to do it again.”
- What they say: “Your new baby is adorable.”
- What they think: “Wow—rough time in delivery, right?”
It seems like it would be great. We’d never have to guess, and it seems like communication would be a lot more honest – right?
Maybe. We’d love to read other people’s minds.
It would change politics.
It would change court proceedings.
It would change the process of buying a car, negotiating with your teenagers or conversing with colleagues.
But how would you feel about having a screen on your head, where you wouldn’t be able to hide your real thoughts?
Well, that’s a different story.
If people knew exactly what I was thinking, I think it would reveal how often I try to position myself in the eyes of others – “tweaking” the truth to present myself in the best light. I usually feel like I’m being straightforward, but I probably spin reality more than I want to admit.
You, too?
Let’s work on that. Let’s spend the whole day today assuming that people can see exactly what we’re thinking. What shows up on our screen? Would we be OK with that, or would we want to turn off the monitor?
Someone said, “Live in such a way that if someone spoke badly of you, no one would believe it.”
Let’s live so our “insides” match our “outsides.”
Character counts.
The Challenge: It’s one thing to read posts like these and think, “Yeah, that’s good. I need to apply that.” But real life hits, and our good intentions get nudged aside by the whirlwind of everyday demands. It touches our hearts but doesn’t get translated into action.
But committing to a live conversation with someone puts us on each other’s radar, and keeps us focused on application.
Here’s an easy solution: Think of someone right now that you’d like to talk through these ideas with. Call or text them right now and say, “Hey, got time for coffee on Friday?” Then send them the link to the last 4 posts around developing character. Ask them to read it – then meet to talk through how you think it applies.
It’s the quickest way to turn ideas into impact.