365 Days of Living the Dale Carnegie Principles
Day 104. Friday, July 8, 2011
Last night I was sitting quietly, working on my blog when I noticed two geckos in my living room. They were in locations I could not reach. I decided to do something that goes against my nature when it comes to critters in my home. I accepted the inevitable. I left them alone. I knew I couldn’t get them without an hour long battle that might involve me moving all the furniture from the room and me getting up on a ladder with a broom in my hand. Besides I had my blog to post.
I suspect my technique of using mothballs in the garage is working too well. The geckos are now taking shelter indoors.
By the time I finished the blog I had encountered a total of 5 geckos in my home. After “capturing” 4 out of the 5 creepy, nocturnal monsters I decided it was time to take even stronger action than mothballs.
This morning I hired an exterminator to come “deal with the situation” on Tuesday.
Until then I will do my best to apply Dale Carnegie’s principles from How to Stop Worrying and Start Living:
Live in day-tight compartments
Pray (that I don’t end up on the TV program “Infestation”)
Keep busy.
This post is a little unconventional since the story isn’t over and Tuesday feels like decades from now. I do believe that if I follow at least one of the principles I’ve listed I will enjoy the weekend and not spend all my time worrying about all the “what ifs” associated with the monsters that are invading my home. What I can say is that I haven’t spotted a single gecko tonight. So I’m going to count my blessings now!
My lesson to you with this story is to prove that there is a Dale Carnegie principle for just about every occasion! I worry about everything—nothing is too large or in this case—too small. But I am also aware that I cannot let my imagination get the best of me. I must be proactive when faced with a potential 3-day WorryFest. When you are aware of your inclination to worry you can apply Dale Carnegie’s principles and save yourself a lot of grief and wasted time.