I have been told that sometimes I have too much time on my hands. This may be one of those times because I have been thinking alot about broken things latley. The world thnks “broken” is bad, but I have come to realize that most of the time, the workd is upside-down from the way things should be. With that thought in mind, have you ever considered the GOOD SIDE of breaking things?
BREAK THE MOLD …
Pretty much everything is made in a mold these days. Manufacturing processes use molds a lot. People at home use molds for cooking and baking too. Molds are good because you get the same thing again and again when you use a mold. The trouble is, most of us don’t always want to get the same thing all the time. We don’t always want each day to be a carbon-copy of the day before. Sometimes we want things to be a little different — a little better. And if you are like that then you need to know, “If it ain’t broke, go ahead and break it!”
- You see, you don’t get better and stay the same (life doesn’t work that way).
- And you probably don’t want to stay the same and just do more (you’ll just end up getting more of the same).
Break the mold and start over. It’s the only way to get something new and fresh and creative in your life!
BREAK THE RECORD …
We all have a record. We all have a reputation. We all have a set of patterns that we use in our lives. Well, if it (they) isn’t broken, break it!
- Break Up! … establish new relationships! You don’t really have to lose all your old friends, but you may need to make some new ones. Good relationships and a strong sense of community are keys to satisfaction in life.
- Break In! … establish new ways of thinking and new ways to see the world around you! If you look at the same things tomorrow in the same ways that you looked at them today, you will see the same thing again. We see what we are looking for most of the time, so start looking for something new in your life –in your career — in your relationships. The good news is that we haven’t seen it all yet. There is so much more. We just have to learn to look at life from different angles so we can see different things.
- Break Through! … establish new products, services, and processes! Today’s new car is tomorrow’s “clunker” (sorry about that … ouch!). Be willing to re-assess, re-establish, and re-release! Every new day is a new opportunity to be new and to do new things. Don’t wait for a “break down” to enjoy a “break through.”
You can’t innovate unless you break a few things! Spend your life setting records — and then breaking your own records!
WHEN TO BREAK …
Break things in your life when …
- … there is more work than time in your life!
- … there are more expenses than money in your life!
- … there are more customers than services and resources in your life!
- … there is more pain than gain in your life!
Do you want your life to be more than it is? Would you like your life to be better? Do you want your work to be more meaningful? Well, break something today and replace it with something that is bigger, better, and more fulfilling. Remember, if it ain’t broke, break it! You’ll be glad you did!
I think I hear you saying that if I break the mold, this will allow me to start over, become creative and resolve an issue in another way. Daring me to be different and stepping outside of the norm (mold)and create something maybe better, but at least something of my own. This is really good!!!
Yes! It is an interesting phenomena, because on the one hand, each day is built from the day before. But on the other hand, each day is a new day. We have the benefit of picking up today where we left off yesterday, but we also have the option of striking out in a whole new direction. I sincerely believe that we live in a time — a season in history — when success will be determined not by doing the status quo, but by experiencing new beginnings. I think you got it! Now savor it each day!!!
such good information. I always ‘break up” and start over, even if it means just to “repair” the broken. some people are stuck in a rut with every aspect of their lives broken, and I think that everyone has been there. It’s a matter of recognizing and wanting something different. this was a great insight! thanks!
I believe we all are broken at one time or another in our life. I believe God can work better with broken pieces. When something is broken it takes time to put it back together. Sometimes we need time to be put back together one piece at a time in order to appreciate being whole. I
I think I’ll make a little sign in my office that says “If it ain’t broke why not break it” and see how our grad students react. I’ll let you know how it goes, maybe I can even find a piece of clip art to add, keep them thinking about their own career goals and desires.
Excellent article! Just what I needed to hear! We work sooooo hard to not break the mold, that we miss out on many life experiences and don’t grow the way we could as a person….
I really loved the article. It was very insightful about the “molds” we create in our lives. I especially liked the point that “we just have to learn to look at life from different angles so we can see different things.” I teach a college course in communication and I often ask students to sit in different areas of the room, so they can get a different angle/perception of their world, including their perceptions of others and their interpretations. They often note how their views differ simply by taking a different look at the world.
Thanks for sharing…
After 27 years of being in the classroom, I was encouraged to apply for the CDC position at my school. I was very confortable, and confident, in teaching Drafting. With less than five years before retiring, I wasn’t sure a change was worth it. I should have said five years before retiring from teaching. I plan to “work” somewhere. This change in position at my school was a big “break” for me. Although during my years teaching Drafting I was constantly changing methods, worksheets, and projects….always looking for something better. I believe “breaking” whatever from time to time improves life as we know it. … now … time for a break!
This is a comment concerning turning your hobbies into a business or a career.
I have done this for years and beleive me it works when there is no jobs in your area.
I had a wonderful craft shop in the NC mountains in th 80’s before my children were born. Now I do Native American crafts and will be opening a small store in Orangeburg SC( this is where I was born) and yes, I am Tribal so I am doing all in the right ways. In fact anyone who is interested in Native American Indian activities can connect with me through my email.
This is a comment concerning turning your hobbies into a business or a career.
I have done this for years and believe me it works when there are no jobs in your area.
I had a wonderful craft shop in the NC mountains in th 80’s before my children were born. Now I do Native American crafts and will be opening a small store in Orangeburg SC( this is where I was born) and yes, I am Tribal so I am doing all in the right ways. In fact anyone who is interested in Native American Indian activities can connect with me through my email.