subject: Do You Use The Rocking Chair Test? A Good Tool For Work And Life [print this page] Did you ever do the "Rocking Chair Test"? When I was in college, I first heard about the rocking chair test. I use it often to avoid situations I don't want to be part of, or to take action for things I want to do, and to make choices in business and life. Frankly, I don't even recall where I read or heard it. It has just become a part of my psyche.
What is the rocking chair test? Simply put, you ask yourself that, when you're older and you're one a porch or in your living room - sitting on your rocking chair - and perhaps you're talking to your grandchildren or just reflecting back on live, how with your present situation or choice look to you then on the rocking chair.
For instance, especially in my younger days of college, there were a few situations where I asked myself about the rocking chair test, and I did know participate or follow through on certain 'immature' things that some college guys do.....and today I am thankful that I don't have those experiences on my resume because they likely would not have added much if anything positive to my life.
More often, I ask myself about the rocking chair test and I then typically take action and move ahead on things that I normally may not have. For instance, simple things like this blog. Starting my own (again) business years ago. Taking my wife and kids on a fun weekend. Saying something, doing something, taking a chance.
Many times we see a situation that may involve some risk or fear and we may avoid moving ahead because of the need for stability and security for our children and families. However, with the rocking chair test, I find myself thinking more along the lines that I may be teaching my kids a valuable lesson by taking a calculated risk.
If I do something today that I love or that I'm passionate about, if I do something that shows action, effort, enthusiasm, and if I can show them that I can bounce back after a failure, we all win.
The rocking chair test also helps me with how I handle a situation. I've used it when I lost a job, when a loved one died, or I experienced other emotional challenges. In other words, typically we can get stuck in the hurt, sadness, fear, anger, resentment, that some of life's situations give us. But if we act in a manner of love, forgiveness, release, faith, action, and persistence - if we take the high road or if we keep on chugging, we'll benefit ourselves and our kids may pick up some good messages about life.
If you were sitting on your rocking chair X years from now, how would you view the way you treat people? How would you view the way you handle new opportunities? Helping others? Living life? Passion? Enthusiasm? Your relationships? What kind of advice would that older, wiser You give the You of today?
It is a small device or strategy. It is an unusual one perhaps. However out of all the things I've read, learned and assimilated over the years, it is one of the top 5 things that I still use and appreciate each week of my life.
Use the rocking chair test in your life, career - for the big and little picture.
