Lessons from a 4-Year-Old: Wanting What Others Have
Lessons from a 4-Year-Old: Wanting What Others Have
“I want what she has!"
Recently, our 4-year-old has struggled with discontent, forsaking her Santa-brought gifts for those of her siblings.
I observed this emotion of "wanting what they have" and recognized myself in it. For years, I felt inadequate when we attended swim events and my kids needed to wear life vests while others their age just jumped right in. Consistent swim lessons felt elusive and a real burden in time and money, and I would feel envious of families that managed to get their children consistent instruction.
In time, I've learned that others’ timelines aren’t mine, and once proficient, how long it took becomes irrelevant. Last summer, three of my children achieved proficiency in three 1:1 sessions, outperforming a decade of disjointed instruction and thousands spent. The difference was dedicated time, sufficient access, and a masterful instructor, enabled by a backyard pool.
I began to wonder if feelings of inadequacy in reaching one's goals or envy of what others have could be alleviated with the right mixture of environment, dedicated time, and proper instruction.
I offer these questions for your 2024 planning:
Who am I, uninterrupted?
Am I setup to succeed?
Who are my teachers? Are they qualified?
Guided by the questions above, I know that achievement in my professional life as CEO of korédé house and my personal life as wife and mother will happen by investing dedicated time, ensuring my environment is supportive of my development and that I sit at the feet of others before me.
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with adventure and achievement!
Ronke Faleti