The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
The great Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote this line in about 1785 describing the quandary that no matter how carefully one plans things they often can and will go wrong.
I had a very painful reminder of this a few weeks ago when riding what was supposed to be an easy ride on my mountain bike; I crashed giving myself a good crack on the head and breaking my right collarbone.
While this is a relatively minor injury, the resulting dizzy spells and operation to plate repair my collarbone have meant that I’ve been away from my computer for a few weeks.
The thing is that I wouldn’t wish this on anyone but it has proved to be an interesting and useful experience in reminding me of how much I’ve been taking for granted in life.
My recovery certainly hasn’t always been easy, but each small step on the way to recovery has brought a sense of growing confidence and happiness. I would never have guessed how much pleasure the simple act of being able to lie on my side while going to sleep could bring - not to mention the growing sense of independence as I learned how to tie my shoe with my left hand only 
It’s also been a real reminder of the importance of asking yourself high-quality questions, as well as a real challenge to my creativity:
- My right arm is in a tightly bound sling for at least four weeks, so how to cut up my shirt so that I can get it on and then connect it back together with safety pins?
- How to release the Daily Action Tips Workbook on schedule?
- What’s the best option for using the computer when your left hand only typing speed is three words in a minute?
Dragon Naturally Speaking
I guess my accident just goes to prove the fact that when you set plans and goals things can and will go wrong but it’s also helped remind me of the importance of having plans and goals to inspire you through the bad times.
If you haven’t taken the time to set meaningful goals and develop plans around how you going to achieve them when things go wrong is all too easy to drift into self-pity, procrastination and maybe even depression.
Over the years though I’ve come to realise that having plans and goals isn’t enough you need strategies to get you back on track quick!
This is the fundamental reason I created the daily action tips in the first place. You see big chunk information on goals and vision etc are very important, but what’s really going to make a difference is how you react in the moment when things begin to go wrong.
The daily action tips are not designed to be followed day by day, they are designed as an instant refocusing tool to get you back on track when you begun to lose your way.
Remember, in the words of Doctor Phil: “Life is managed not cured!”
Bye for now,
Anth.
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hi, Anth,
“Life is managed not cured!”, great!
But how much can we manager our life? You said your experience is one result of “take for granted”. But we take for granted in many things. How do you think about religions, are they we take for granted? If God can not be verified being or not, we only can take it for granted in spite of you believe it or not.
I have a question of religion, is it helpful in psychological problem? Long history shows that religion is very important, even overwhelming on earth. Believes are things surely being taken for granted, do you thinks so?
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Dear Anth,
I understand the pain and frustration of your accident. I have learned, too, that I can plan my journey - it is the outcome I have no control over, as you have so eloquently demonstrated in your message.
Your tips are incredibly helpful. When I first subscribed, I tried to “learn” each one as I received them — that was, for me, impossible. What I realized is exactly what you pointed out today, working each day to do the very best I can, using the tips that help me, without stress, more easily toward my daily goals. Sometimes I have days that I break my objectives into hourly increments — other days longer or shorter periods of time, lightening or increasing my task load. Then at the end of each day, instead of judging my accomplishments, or lack thereof, I accept the day and be grateful for the lessons I have learned. What I do NOT to any longer is beat myself up for the things I didn’t do — expectations I did not meet; my own or especially those of others.
Thank you for the daily sign posts — your daily wisdom and reminders make a difference in my life.
Wishing you smooth healing and God’s blessings, Denise
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Dear Anth
I am very sorry to hear of your accident and I wish you perfect healing. I see that people are talking about religion. Religion is good but some of the people who belive in it can be bad.
Now one thing is for sure, The Almighty did not create the accident. We are all blessed to take the responsibility of life on in our own hands. Riding the mountain bike will make it less likely to have a heart attack by becoming big. I am big and yes I have had an MI.
Exercise is one of the best things one can do for ones self.
Please G-d you will be back on the bike thinking of more of your great tips. Just remember to wear a helmet.
Wishing you a perfect recovery all the best from Phil
November 4th, 2008 at 2:22 am
Hi Anth,
Many thanks for the tips; they don’t all apply to my situation, but those that do really do!
I’m sorry to read about your accident; it must have been a shock, but you certainly seem to have coped well! You didn’t miss a Tip!
All the very best for your healing process. It may reassure you to know that a broken bone heals stronger than the original, which means it won’t break in the same place again! (Probably, following Burns’ wisdom, on either side, should you decide to go mountain biking in the future!!!)
November 5th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Anthony
I don’t mind receiving one e-mail per day but you are sending too many. If you cannot keep it to one per day then please unsubscribe me from your list.
Regards, Drew Gregg
November 5th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Drew,
I have checked my records and it seems you were mistakenly signed up for two sets daily action tips. This seems to have been down to a problem with replication on the web.
I have manually removed you from one set so you should only get one e-mail a day now - along with the occasional notification of new blog posts. If this is too much to you and you would like to unsubscribe please let me know and I will arrange it for you.
All the best,
Anth.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I just wanted to use this post to say thank you to everyone who has written to me or telephoned to wish me a swift recovery.
It really is good to know the people of our thinking about me and value my work.
Incidentally, on the subject of my “accident” I prefer not to think of it as such I put it down to the fact that I made a mistake and that’s what caused the crash, this might seem like a subtle distinction at first but making the mistake is something I can do something about them that keeps me firmly in the driving seat my life as I continue to recover.
Okay, I admit I might benefit from a bit more practice on my bike too!
bye for now,
Anth.