Mar. 11, 2009 - Do Hard Things!
Hey All!
I just want to tell you about the book I read. I barrowed it saterday evening and was done reading it before we got back from church in the after noon! Wow! What a great book! In this book Alex and Brett Harris stress how important it is to do hard things despite the fact that others expect little if anything from us (teenagers). This was the perfect book for me at this time in my life. I am one that has done hard things, but lately I have been satisfied with what I have been doing. This book talks about the dangers of falling in to the “good enough” trap. What was remarkable but not surprising after thinking about it was that teens think they have to be recognized as an adult before they start to act like one. Like this book points out it is true that if people’s expectations are low we will shoot lower than if they were high. The book also points out that it use to be that teenagers were trusted with hard, tough adult jobs. Alex and Brett Harris say that this is because there expectations were higher. Well how did expectations shrink? I will be drawing my own conclusions for the answer to this question. You would agree that if teens had continued to do hard things public expectations would not shrink but stay. Ok, how did they shrink? If a well dressed young man walked up to me and introduced himself with a great looking smile and a short hair cut I would immediately start to develop expectations for this teen. If he did not meet my expectations at all I would have lower expectations for ones like him from then on. It is just like humans to fail you or not meet your expectations. This happens. Were you ever offended by anyone? Why? Never mind. I bet I know. They did not meet your expectations. If you think about it that is probably exactly what happened? I could give you some examples but I won’t. So if the world had high expectations would that solve our problem? Not completely. I know that Brett and Alex believe that. I like a book that does not say everything. It lets you connect the dots. That is what I am doing. So what would solve our problem though? Doing hard things no matter what the expectations are, high or low. Or if you are a Christian like I am, do hard things because God expects it.
I have already started to do hard things. Starting with reading this book in 15 hours, that includes sleep time. I am doing hard things that take me out of my comfort zone. Like today, I greeted and introduced myself to a new boy that attended our church today. I am doing hard things that no one will ever see or appreciate. Today I set mouse traps when my mom asked without complaining (I hate doing that) and eating that casserole that no one likes without protesting. I also have goals for more hard things like my own business. I have large goals I can’t do by myself like producing a film. And speaking of hard I am going skiing tomorrow and I am running on low (having stayed up last night reading Do Hard Things). Plus CowboyKing is staying the night so who knows, I might not get any sleep tonight either. You know what happened last time. J
P.S. Thanks JessLBee for the use of your book! I really enjoyed it!
TTFN
Andy
Comments
Mar. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AnAmericanGirl
Well, it's not like it was flavored Pringles or anything, you don't taste them it just makes the sandwich crunchy. The interview went well, I guess. I had to take a test that took about 45 minutes to complete. It was mentally exhausting, not to mention nerve racking. If I mess up I can't ever take the test again. I don't really remember why. I accidentally put the wrong answer on one of the questions, but hopefully it will be ok. My mom keeps telling me that if God wants me to have the job I will have it, and she's right. I know one thing for sure, I'm certainly not worried about the ACT, next month, anymore. *big smile* Thanks for the prayers and comments, they are much appreciated. I'll talk to you later.
God bless
Hannah
Mar. 11, 2009 - Hi
Posted by CowboyKing
Very good entry. Well we only stayed up till 3 so we did pretty good. LOL That was so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
CowboyKing
Mar. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MargoMargolia1
yeah I heard about your sleep over, do you make it a habit to stay up till 3:00!?!
you guys are crazy!
No I didn't need to bribe my friend. she likes cleaning other peoples' rooms! and we hadn't seen each other in forever so it wasn't hard to get her to agree to help.
I think if you asked CowboyKing he would help you clean (he cleans 24-7 no matter what) , but you guys would get off task and start talking about deep theological stuff!!
I guess I'll see you Friday, that should be fun!
ttyl
Margo
Mar. 11, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AnAmericanGirl
Oh, and by the way, you really should try a Peanut Butter, Jelly and Pringle sandwich. Make sure you put TWO layers of Pringles so that you get the full effect. ENJOY!!! :D
God bless
Hannah
Mar. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MNsnowgirl
wow I couldn't resist LOL!! Just push it!!! It won't give you a virus or anything.
ttyl
Hannah
Mar. 12, 2009 - Hi!
Posted by JessLBee
Great post!!! You got a lot more out of that book than I did!!!! I need to read it again!!!! The problem with me is I read to fast and then I don't remember what I read!!!!! (well I remember kind of) I think I need to read a book like that and take notes while I read.
Have an awesome day!
~Jess
Mar. 13, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by BookLover
I started that book a while ago but didn't get very far... I guess I put it down once and forgot about it. Even though I'm not a teen, my mom thought it would be good to read. :-) But what I did read, was very good! I just need to put it into practice, like you did.
I have another hard thing for you to do--have your friend over again and go to bed at 9. LOL! It sounds like you guys have tons of fun together!
