Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Want to be something? Ask a simple question and live the answer.

Twenty something years ago, Robin Williams was in the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire.” He impersonates a woman and gets a job as a nanny to his former wife so he can be near his children. He is the best, most fun, most wonderful person around kids since Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins” combined.

He was a failed father. He became the best person to be near his kids. How? The movie doesn’t reveal it, but he asked the question, “If I was the best person to be with my kids, what would I do?” And then he did it.

Examples:

• If I were a great people person, what would I do at this party?
• If I were a great supervisor, what would I do at work?
• If I were a great leader, what would I do?
• If I were a diligent writer, what would I do?
• If I were a great husband or wife, what would I do?
• If I were a great parent, what would I do?
• If I were a great news reporter, what clothes would I wear? How would I stand?

The list goes on and can include the one thing I want to be. I have yet to find an exception to this technique for better living.

Ask. Answer seriously. Begin living—better.