If we’re listening to music in the car, my five-year old daughter Scarlett always insists we finish the song we’re listening to before we get out.
I love it.
(Except when we’re running late for something … then not so much.)
I know it’s a cliché to say your kids are your best teachers – and clichés become clichés because they contain truth – but there are three great lessons I take from this.
1. The obvious one is be present. My meditation teacher Maharishi Krishnananda says the key to everything is only pay attention to what is here and now. Scarlett says if you are listening to the song, just listen to the song.
2. Take your rewards along the way. Why do we work hard? One major reason for me is to be able to spend time with my family. So why wouldn’t I grab two minutes with my daughter enjoying some music? So I can start work two minutes earlier? It’s a bit like Tim Ferriss’s idea in the 4-Hour Workweek of having mini retirements along the way.
3. Respect the art. I also like the idea that somewhere some people have put their heart and soul into producing this art we’re listening to, and Scarlett wants to pay them the respect of listening all the way to the end.
