Bruce Kasanoff describes a chilly autumn morning out on a lake that changed a habit of a lifetime.
For decades, I always chose a kayak, never a canoe. In my mind, kayaks are more youthful, sporty, nimble and appealing.
It never even entered my consciousness to try a canoe.
On a recent weekend, I stayed at a cabin on a lake that had a canoe.
This canoe was a joy to paddle. It glided beautifully, was easy to turn.
I loved going out on chilly autumn mornings without getting my butt wet. (In a canoe, you sit higher than in a kayak.)
In other words, I did the opposite of what I normally do, and got a far better result.
In the Seinfeld television show, the George Constanza character goes to the beach and has a revelation.
“Every decision I’ve ever made in my entire life has been wrong,” he tells Jerry and Elaine.
“My life is the complete opposite of everything I want it to be.
“Every instinct I have, in every aspect of my life — be it something to wear, something to eat — it’s all been wrong.”
Jerry then points out that if every instinct George has had is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.
With that, George begins to do the opposite in every corner of his life.
I’m not suggesting that we all emulate a fictional character who is unemployed and lives with his parents, but it can occasionally be wise to borrow this very simple strategy: Do the opposite of what you normally do.
Instead of watching television try reading; instead of eating ice cream, eat vegetables; instead of frowning, smile.
Or instead of talking, listen; instead of making assumptions, observe details; instead of using words, draw pictures.
Instead of typing on a computer, write with pen and paper…the list is endless.
Perhaps you feel you are doing things just right — and that’s fine, but just contemplating what might be the opposite of your normal habits can be instructive.
*Bruce Kasanoff is the founder of The Journey, an executive coach and a social media ghostwriter for entrepreneurs. He can be contacted at kasanoff.com.
This article first appeared at kasanoff.com.
