Meeting new people is great. Meeting this particular group was great because they are new (so you can ask a ton of fun questions and hear new stories) and they are going to be connected with us moving forward.
As I reflect it was more like holding an interview for someone who already got the job. No pressure, just getting to know one another, because the outcome is already decided.
But one member of the group stood out.
The energetic 3-year old.
His grandfather describes him as a constant joy and ever-present “investigator” of his world.
As the father of four, I can appreciate an energetic “investigator.”
What I witnessed was someone who is bold and fearless.
When faced with something new (marking his name on the plastic glass, meeting new people, deciding what food to take from the buffet) he had one motto, one thing that helped him push through any perceived difficulty or lack of experience with this particular task.
He would loudly proclaim “I Do It!” and he would just go attempt whatever task was before him.
No fear or worry.
“I Do It!”
No reflection of whether or not he had the skills needed or the right training.
“I Do It!”
No calling a meeting or scheduling a call.
“I Do It!”
No panicked paralysis pondering if it was going to be perfect.
“I Do It!”
Although each attempt or task was not perfect (the permanent marker on a new shirt serves as proof), the motto and the persistence remained.
As I watched each interaction, each proclamation, and each action I found an interpretation.
“I Do It!” really means “Hey, I am new at some of these things but have ambition and I want to be given the chance to try, fail, try again, and succeed. I may not always get it right, but that is part of learning right? We are all just here trying out things, finding what works for us, and moving on to the next thing. Thanks for giving me some space to give it a shot. I am building confidence and mastery along the way.”
Thanks for the lesson.
When I get stuck, doubt myself, and wonder how to move forward, I will remember those words.
“I Do It!”
Carl Weber Consulting 
You are so perceptive! This certainly is a life lesson for all of us! To see the world through a child’s eyes and innocence is heartwarming. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome! Thanks for commenting and reading it.
I just saw this Ed and I enjoyed reading about our ” three old”. Along with Reilley’s motto of ” I do it” is the corollary ” what doin” ( what ya doin) which allows him to further investigate and expand his world. He keeps us on our toes. What fun.
Dennis R
Thanks Dennis. Thanks for checking out the blog!
Oh to live like I am three years old. I DO IT!
such a great lesson. May we all take the freedom to be a child.
Great freedom. Thanks for sharing the post.