Children's perspective and how we can learn from it

We talk a lot in life about what children can teach us and how they inspire us. Seeing the world through a child's eyes is truly one of the most powerful statements I have ever heard. I'm a mom of two girls, a 6 year old and an almost 2.5 year old. I am amazed by them all the time. Recently I stopped to reflect on some of the things my kids do that any person in sales could apply in their day-to-day.

1) See the world in the most optimistic of ways.

Child's perspective: It's raining out? Yay! Puddles to jump in. It's Monday? Yay! Time to kick off another week! School is remote? Yay! I get to be home and play with my toys more AND learn from home. It's nap time? Yay! Time to rest and recharge to kick ass in the afternoon.

What I can take away from this: Even though it is crummy around me, I can still make the most of the day. I may be "stuck " at home during this pandemic, but I get to be safe with my family AND I’m able to work in a safe environment. I have a bed to sleep in that will help me rest and take on a new day!

2) Keep trying.

Child's perspective: Man, those new magnetic blocks that mom got me can be challenging. If I keep trying, I know I can get it. Wow, big kid monkey bars!? I bet if I practice everyday I can nail this! The alphabet song is a lot, but if I keep repeating it I will get it in no time!

What I can take away from this: Trying new things can be hard and I can get stuck in my ways, BUT if I push myself out of my comfort zone, I can and will learn something new! If I keep at it, I am certain I can nail it!

3) Shoot your shot (line stolen from Kirby Hasseman). No one is better than shooting their shot than a child.

Child's perspective: Mom, can I have extra dessert/candy snacks? Chances are mom will say yes every now and then!

What I can take away from this: Ask for that meeting! Call that prospect! Raise your margin! What's the worst that can happen? You may get what you want and what you need!

4) Ask for help. As a mom of two, I get asked for a lot of help. Kids can only do so much! Why do adults feel like they can't ask?

Child's perspective: Can you open this for me? Can you help me put on my jacket?

What I can take away from this: Can you teach me how to use this new platform? I have never used it before and could use a tutorial. People WANT to help! Ask for it and see what happens!

5) Get frustrated.

Child's perspective: The orange shirt I want to wear is dirty. The bath is too hot or too cold. My sister took my toy. No words here. It is ok to get frustrated. Feel those big feelings. Feel them and work through it.

What I can take away from this: OK, we are really good at this already. We get frustrated all the time and you know what, that is OK. Big feelings are always a learning experience.

6) Build something out of nothing.

Child's perspective: I can't tell you how many times my girls have collected toilet paper rolls or Amazon boxes and made something out of nothing. From binoculars to forts, I am always amazed by what they can build using what they have.

What I can take away from this: So many of you have done this. I see you building your book of business and your companies. Many of you are doing this from nothing. Many of you are doing this from a base. Keep doing it. It's working.

7) Take alone time.

Child's perspective: My 6 year old asks for alone time when she needs it. Sometimes 10 mins in her room with her dollhouse is all she needs to get out of a funk. It's a good reminder every time it happens.

What I can take away from this: Self-care is so important. Going to the grocery does not count. Get up and do something for yourself and BY yourself whenever you can.

8) Go hard.

Child's perspective: If you have ever taken a child to a playground after school you will see the power of going hard. Kids run free! They go hard. They play with all that they have in them.

What I can take away from this: Just do it and give it all you have! Make that prospect list. Go after it. Execute. Dominate. Follow up. Rinse and repeat.

9) Smell the flowers.

Child's perspective: Have you ever been on a walk with a 2 year old? They want to touch everything and smell each flower. It may be their first time seeing that color and acknowledging that scent. Let them take it in. Don't rush it.

What I can take away from this: Stop and take it in. Look at how far you’ve come! Respect what you have seen and learned. Take it in and reflect.

10) Fill buckets.

Child's perspective: Telling classmates how much you love their drawing. Being genuine. Notice new things and compliment them. Give hugs or high fives or air kisses or fist bumps. It takes a small compliment or action from a child to make others feel so good. Bucket filling is the BEST and we talk about it a lot in our home.

What I can take away from this: Go out of your way to thank a colleague or supplier or client. A quick "Thank you!!!! is great but what can you do to go out of your way to fill a bucket? Can you email someone's boss to tell them how much you appreciate them? When you see someone struggling and they might not be able to use their words you can step in and be there for them. How can you fill a bucket today?

I challenge you to put yourself in a child's shoes for an hour or a day or a week, whatever makes sense for you. I bet you will be inspired and rewarded!