Today I was asked to share a series of words that have traditional meanings, which are often used in a very different way in our “What One Person Can Do” program.
They are included here in hopes that we will add to and build a reference list that speaks consistently and plainly to the presence of responsibility and ownership. They may also be cause for a moment of lightness and/or humor as we listen to our minds recall our traditional usage of these words.
Forget v: 1: to choose not to remember. 2: the opposite of remember. 3: the assignment of responsibility for producing results to the brain rather than the person as a whole.
Teach v: 1: a word used by Webster to describe the impossible; no one can cause you to know anything, unless you choose to learn it. 2: often used to describe the process whereby others’ priorities are spoken of as if they were global in nature. 3: often delivered from a pontified or paternalistic point of view.
Motivate v: 1: another word used to describe the impossible. 2: often confused with behavior modification (when I hold a blow torch or four by four, I can modify your behavior). 3: describes the actions of those who wish to take credit for things.
Inspire v: 1: the claim of those who seek to be caught doing important work. 2: often used to describe the actions of a guru or those needing adulation. 3: see motivate.
Empower v: 1: the gift of power from one person to another, requiring an odor-proof basket. 2: indicates the presence of arrogance. 3: demonstrates a clear disbelief in the idea of us all being created equal.
Boredom n: 1: a choice. 2: a condition acquired only by those who choose not to be inspired, alive engaged with life. 3: usually requires the presence of others who think the word has meaning.
Tired n: 1. a concept, except under condition of prolonged sleep deprivation or illness. 2: the spoken state of needing sleep. 3. often disappears in presence of large quantities of money or the possibility of desirable sexual activity; 4: used often as an excuse for that which one really does not want to do. 5: a condition that creates vast opportunities to produce poorly or complain indiscriminately
