Yesterday I was asked what book I would recommend on resiliency. The answer was surprising to some; “oh the places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss.
Why this book? Here’s a few reasons.
- Internal locus of control: the message throughout the book is about taking your 100% responsibility for your experiences.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And YOU are the guy/gal who’ll decide where to go.”
- Reality Testing: it acknowledges life is not all puppy dogs and lollipops. That we need to prepare for life’s curveballs.
“I’m sorry to so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.”
- Be Proactive: during difficult times we can easily find ourselves in that dreaded place, “the waiting place” – for people are just waiting for things to happen. But it is us who must make things happen.
“NO! That’s not for you! Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing.”
- Be intentional: we must be thoughtful and deliberate in the conversations we have, the relationships we build, the choices we make because it’s the difference of moving towards from the things we say we want, or away from it.
“So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.”
I love this book because Dr. Seuss’ wise, humous, rhyming word encourages us to find the success that lies within us…
“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)”
So whatever you are going through, remember that…
“Today is you day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way.”