joy Archives | SageTalk

“The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.”
― Albert Einstein

And… the best way to do that is by using the Magic of Three.

The blue hyperlink, above, is an excellent explanation of why this is true.

Automobile Univesity

On a road trip this weekend, the concept was reinforced in my mind. For many years, I’ve been enrolled in AU (Automobile University). Through the curriculum offered by Audible, extensive course selection is available on audiobooks.

As a business coach and consultant, I’m always interested in what thought leaders have to offer. So, I dutifully paid for the course Million Dollar Consulting, by Alan Weiss.

Magic of Three

What is the magic of 3?

Take a look at the left side of the number — 3 points, which form a pattern, which our mind can process and remember, easily. Two feels lacking, and four feels tedious. Test for yourself — choose three of anything and see how comfortable the relationship is.

As a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for 35+ years, I’ve been guilty of sharing too much, too fast, and scaring the living bejeezus out of People. I’m still in the process of breaking that bad habit. However, I know for a fact, “Less is More.”

Complex To Simple

So, as I’m cruising the deserts of Wyoming this weekend, in my Ruby Red Ford F-150, the magic of three enchants me, once again. I discovered that a 6-hour and 21-minute audiobook can be condensed into three words.

Objective
Measure
Value

Now, to be clear, the rest of the book explains the importance of those three words. One of the reasons this book can be of value to anyone is that it demonstrates the steps in motivating ourselves and others to grow.

To move from where we are to where we want to be, we must begin with the end in mind (Objective). To maintain our enthusiasm in the middle of a desert journey, we must nurture hope by managing our progress (Measure). We are able and willing to reach our destination, because of the benefit to ourselves and others (Value).

Another Worldview

These 3 words encapsulate another way to think of this concept.

Why
How
What

Why are you thinking about doing something? Does it complement your purpose in life? Will it provide happiness and joy? (People)

How will you accomplish your goal? Are you able to make the sacrifices necessary to let go of the old habits and develop new ways? (Process)

What will be the benefit to you and others in your sphere of influence? Is this legacy adequate for your mark on the world? (Results)

Just like all Universal Principles, it is impossible to describe the logic of magic with words. But, I’ll bet you have felt the power of it.

By reading this article once, you’ll always remember the concepts presented, above — thanks to the Magic of Three.

The secret to getting things done is to ask, “Who is going to do What by When?”

An even greater mystery to doing the right things is to know, “Why and How!”

There’s a story about a Montana rancher that goes something like this —

A country doctor is suturing a cut on the hand of a Montana rancher.

Rancher: “At least this hurt comes from building something. Just imagine the pain of a post turtle.”
Doctor: “Oh? What is a post turtle?”
Rancher: “Well, when you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top. That’s a post turtle. You know he didn’t get there by himself; he doesn’t belong there; he can’t get anything done while he’s up there; and, without help to get down, he’s stranded!”

How often do we get stuck?

Pedestals, Ivory Towers, and White Horses

Do we ever consider: “Why?” Is it because we allowed someone to place us on a pedestal, in an ivory tower, or on a white horse? It’s one thing to work hard to earn our place in the world — it’s quite another to be placed somewhere. Even more dangerous than the physical geography is the mental fantasy. It can be our mind playing tricks on us — or, the imaginations of another person projected onto us.

From our earliest memories we are indoctrinated with the propaganda that, to be somebody, we must rise above. Movies, novels and childhood stories revolve around the themes of a princess in an ivory tower attracting the knight in shining armor who gallops in on his trusty white steed.

Joy Is In The Doing

What goes up must come down. Down to the reality that the greatest joys in life are found by serving — not swooning. Life is all about attitude — not altitude. Love is defined as giving — not getting. Let’s all get down, to the business and pleasure of accepting others for who they, really, are — not who we want them to be.

While the grandeur of heights is intoxicating, the grounded efforts of servants produce harvests of abundance. Those who are the greatest, purposefully, take the lowest rank. They are recognized as true leaders by their efforts to serve.

They are the ones who know Why they are here; How they got here; What they are doing here; and, Who have absolutely no fear of falling down. When they stumble, it is to learn a new lesson on their way to another opportunity — of service.