QWERTY
I got a new phone on Friday (HTC DIAMOND TOUCH PRO). One of my favorite features is that it has a slide out QWERTY keyboard. No longer will I have to do the multiple tapping thing when trying to type….yeah.
However the whole QWERTY keyboard configuration reminds me of the “Aslan Phenomenon” and I hope by explaining it you will be challenged to change some things in your life. First here’s what it is…
- We make rules or invent something based on reasons that make a lot of sense.
- We follow these rules.
- Time passes by and things change.
- The original reasons for the rules or invention no longer apply or exist but yet we keep doing it anyway.
This leads to the QWERTY keyboard configuration. In the 1870’s the leading manufacturer of typewriters was getting a lot of complaints by customers because the keys were sticking when you typed too fast. The solution was to slow typists down by designing a keyboard configuration that forced you to use your weaker fingers to type some of the most common letters. Thus the QWERTY configuration was implemented and the problem was solved.
The only problem is this…that was in the 1870’s…this is 2009…we no longer have a problem of keys sticking together…technology has changed…yet we’re still using the QWERTY system which slows us down unneccisarily. In other words the rules/reasons no longer apply but yet we still use the old logic.
I see this same thing happen in churches all the time. A rule, ministry or method was started for a legitimate reason at one point but now it’s only being done/followed because, “That’s the way we’ve always done it”. It’s then that unfortunately tradition many times trumps effectiveness and thus the person or entire organization suffers.
So how about for you? In your personal life, business or organization, where is the “Aslan Phenomenon” holding you back?
Inside Today’s Experiences
1 Sit-up a Day Can Change Your Life
In the latest issue of Fast Company magazine, they talk about micro goals. It reminded me of a story I heard awhile back about a man who lost tons of weight by committing to do 1 sit-up per day.
Now I know you’re thinking, “How in the world would only 1 sit-up change someone so dramtically?” The answer is…it didn’t…it was many sit-ups every day that did. Confused yet?
The man made a vow to himself that everyday he would do at least one sit-up. What he found that was by doing one he was then more motivated to do more…and then even other exercises. In other words, committing to 10, 15, or even 30 minutes a day to excercise would have been too big for him and he would have easily given up and quit. However, by committing to at least 1 sit-up per day, not only was he able to keep his vow easily, but it led to more.
So what big goal (lion) that you are chasing overwhelms you? How can you break it down into a managable goal that you can commit to every day? Change can start small, but it will lead to bigger things if you’ll just commit to do something everyday…go for it…you can change your life “1 sit-up at a time.”
Dave, God and Guns-N-Roses
Today I ate lunch with Aaron and Dave Draper, the President of Winebrenner Seminary, at TGI Fridays. Dave is an awesome, awesome man of God and any time he is in town I consider it a real honor to be able to spend time with him and soak up any words of wisdom he has to impart.
Let’s just say Aaron and I got fed in more than one way. Dave was hitting both of us square between the eyes on some pretty heavy stuff. While he said he was proud of us, he also let us know we were prime candidates for burn-out unless we learn to get some balance in our lives. He challenged us to make sure we’re getting not only a day off but a Sabbath day as well. He encouraged us that we’re in this for he long haul so take some time to slow down and enjoy the journey…not to be in such a rush.
As we were finishing up he said he wanted to pray for us. At first it was hard to hear is prayer because of the loud song in the background. But less than 15 seconds in, the song switched…to whistling…as Dave continues to pray I realize the song is Patience by Guns-N-Roses. It was all I could do to keep from busting out laughing…”Ok God I get it!” I couldn’t help but wonder if Aaron was feeling the same thing…as soon as Dave says amen we look at each other and bust out laughting…he had thought the same thing.
Funny how God will speak to you through a preacher and one of the most profane rock groups of all times. As I said heading out the door, “Even Elijah was fed by a dirty bird, so why can’t we”…hope Dave didn’t think I meant him :)