Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask First
Recently, I was on a flight traveling with my 6-year-old goddaughter sitting next to me. To set a good example, I told her to listen carefully to the flight attendant’s safety instructions. While talking about the oxygen masks, one flight attendant made a point to come to me to reiterate: “Make sure you secure yours before helping with hers.” I smiled politely, but inside I sneered, “Yeah right. Think of myself first before helping her? No way.”
Then I looked at the elderly couple across the aisle and the child traveling alone in the row in front of me. I visualized needing to assist all these people in the event of an emergency (it’s amazing how the mind starts dramatizing a scenario). I realized if I couldn’t breathe, I might not be able to help anyone around me. I then realized that securing my own oxygen mask was the most selfless and helpful thing I could do for everyone else. But this is too often not how people live their lives. Instead, they run around helping everyone else with their oxygen masks (errands, requests, obligations, etc.) and eventually run out of oxygen themselves, becoming stressed, tired, unfit and unhealthy.
When I ask people the order of their priorities and core values, I often hear an order like this:
1. God
2. Family and friends
3. Business, customers and employees
4. Well-being, personal interests, etc.
This order will eventually cause you to run out of oxygen. You are no good to God, your family, your company or anything/anyone else if you are rundown or you get sick or drop dead of a heart attack.
You cannot give what you do not have. If you want to give more, serve more, contribute more, build more, create more, you have to be stronger and more vital, have more stamina and vigor.
You need to make you your first priority so that you can give more, be more and do more for others. Jim Rohn put it this way: “You take care of you for me, and I will take care of me for you.”
My suggestion is to take out your calendar and schedule you first. Schedule your exercise, meals for proper nutrition, enough sleep, mental relaxation and recreation for recovery. Then go down the rest of your priority list and start adding family, business and social obligations.
As a special treat I uploaded some (edgy) videos I shot about 8 years ago on the topic of nutrition and fitness to my Facebook fan site: http://www.facebook.com/DarrenHardyFan. They are no-holds-barred discussion about how to eat better (things you might not know about the food you buy!) so you feel better and how get yourself to love working out… well at least like it enough to keep at if for the rest of your life. One new video will be added every day this week! Become a fan to be notified with updates.
In the May issue of SUCCESS, we will help you strengthen both your mind and body so that you may be of greater service and value to everyone else and everything else in your life. Our interviews with Jillian Michaels and Chris Freytag will give you tips on living a healthy life and get you motivated to start today. And our feature on mental resiliency will show you ways to overcome the inevitable obstacles we all face on the road to well-being.
Also, be sure to listen to the SUCCESS CD that is loaded with more fantastic health and fitness tips from Jillian Michaels, Chris Freytag and Chris Guerriero.
What’s your order? Do you practice putting your own oxygen mask on first? Comment below.
Share this post
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Comments
Darren, thank you…this is superb and so very true…how can we be of benefit to others if we don’t take care of ourselves first? Thank you for your inspiring, eye-opening, wisdom…you’ve made my day!
[DARREN HARDY] So glad to have made your day, Diana! Thanks!
[Reply]
I am getting better and better at putting my own oxygen mask on first. It is a process that I am committed to continaully improving.
I must share that since beginning my subscription to SUCCESS MAGAZINE over a year ago, the journey has been more productive, efficient, effective and just darn FUN!
I continue to be inspired by the wisdom spread about this publication and how such simple (but consistent) choices have made such a dramatic difference in my life, my relationships and my business.
Thanks! and continued success to everyone
[DARREN HARDY] This is definitely something we have to practice CONTINUALLY, Dora, that’s for sure! Love hearing how SUCCESS has improved your life as well. Thank YOU for being such a loyal and committed member of the SUCCESS community! Continued SUCCESS to you, too!!!
[Reply]
Darren, I understand what you are saying, but I don’t think you meant to put off God for your health or your family because without Him first you cannot do anything. By putting God first and realizing WHAT He has done for you it fuels everything else. He has blessed you and you are going to be a good steward with what He has given you (Health, Nutrition, Use of Your money). This devotion to God helps it all make sense. If you don’t take care of those areas you are not faithful to what He has given you. Yes, you should definately take care of yourself and not squander your money on wasteful things or neglect good nutrition or work toward good health because God has blessed you with all of this. He has blessed you with all of this so you can SERVE your neighbor. You are no good to God or your neighbor if you don’t put Him first in your life which then directs your paths for all the other things that you will do. Keep up the great messages and magazine I am a fan. What you do at Success magazine is a tool God has put in my path to help me be a good steward with what He has given me and I thank you for that. I am a Pastor/Mission planter and entrepreneur as well as a developer of several community programs. Have a Great day and God bless you.
[DARREN HARDY] Yes a worthy debate of perspective, Mark. I hear your view, mine is He needs you to take care of you for Him first so you can do all the great works He has for you… thus you come before Him… for Him. So in essence you are making Him first by making you first.
[Reply]
cloudninegirl Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
God comes first with me. HE is the One that make me complete so I can serve others. He give me health, wealth, well-being, self-assurance, JOY and PEACE. I put HIM first, because I have learned that when I do – HE enables me to go forward to victory. When I put myself first, trying to do anything myself, I fail. Tested, tried, and true!
[Reply]
Errol Reply:
April 23rd, 2010 at 9:48 am
I Get you Darren, If i really love God i have to take time to look after me so i can serve Him better.
[Reply]
Thanks a lot for posting. I really need to work on putting on my oxygen mask first. Sometimes I focus so much in my beloved ones and daily problems or situations that I really don’t take care of me as I should.
I have to work on that, I promise I will. Without mental and physical health, I won’t be able to make things better for other people, or just help them. It’s as simple as that.
Best regards from Lima, Peru.
[DARREN HARDY] I’m holding you to that promise, Patricia!!!
[Reply]
So eloquently put, Darren, but did you mean to slap me so hard? ;^) I’ve really been struggling with this myself. I didn’t realize how much until my incredibly giving sister pointed out to me that I am too nice and give “myself” away too easily. Kettle…meet pot. But having you point out that I should be putting on my own oxygen mask first has really struck a nerve. I know it will still be a struggle, but I vow to carry my own mask every day and to use it whenever I need to breathe by own air. Thank you for everything you do to help us all become successful.
[Reply]
Darren,
I truely would have to agree 100%. I noticed a few months ago, I was tired all the time. After much reflecting I noticed I was allowing all my time being spent on watching my son make wrong choices. There for taking my eyes off what God told me to do. Made a commentment the other week to shift my focus back on taking care of me. Like I had for many years. Thanks for the confirmation THIS DAY!!
[DARREN HARDY] Your story is a perfect example of my point, Kim! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!!!
[Reply]
I remember in school long ago making a “Values & Clarification List”…I’ve been updating it ever since. I was never on the top until today, thanks to your story Darren.
[Reply]
What a great analogy! I love it. I’m finally learning to make the shift and now I’m trying to take time out of my day to do that workout and eat healthy. It’s really tough to get this message across to people. They think they’re being selfish but in reality it’s so necessary. This is a great way to make the argument. Thanks for the wonderful post!
[DARREN HARDY] You are very welcome, Marcie! And you are right, it is hard to get this point across because people have been made to believe that putting themselves first is selfish. But my hope is that each of you spread the word around so we can ALL make a difference BECAUSE we place ourselves first!
[Reply]
Bravo! Darren! Bravo! Very well said! Now if we all will just create this needed habit…..
[Reply]
Well put Darren!
Just like my old car. If I don’t put premium fuel in it and due the proper maintenance its just isn’t going to perform properly.
When I neglect myself physically, spiritually and mentally I neglect everyone important to me.
They aren’t getting the best of me.
[DARREN HARDY] Perfect analogy, Denny! Thanks for driving the message home that much further today.
[Reply]
thank you for the posting it is something I really needed to hear again and again and again…In the police academy I was taught that you must take care of number 1 to take care of all…but also no good deed goes unpunished. both have proven to be true at times! I believe this but still fall in the rut of doing what “has to be done” as apposed to making the timer for myself vs kids, work, house, finances, etc…
Thank you your words inspire and I often forward them on to friends.
[Reply]
I am so excited to see the line you used – You cannot give away what you do not have. I have been teaching that in regards to happiness. I encourage people to find happiness within first so that they can share it with others, because you cannot give away what you do not have. Love it Darren.
[Reply]
Great analogy Darren, you hit the nail on the head. I believe most everyone needs to follow your words of advice, I know I do.
Thanks so much for your continued dedication to helping others, remember to follow your own advice and take care of Darren, so you can continue to give to others.
We appreciate you Darren!!
[DARREN HARDY] Thanks, Duncan! I appreciate your kind words immensely. And thanks for the reminder to follow my own advice! Some times it is easier said than done, am I right?
[Reply]
Great article Darren. You are making a big difference in my as well as my friends life. Personally, I suffered a lot in my past because of this “self-less” act and ended up creating bitterness in my life when I found myself in trouble for neglecting my own work. I slowly bring balance into my life by paying more attention to mine and help other in more open mind.
I love all your articles and also it feels good to know that I am doing right. Waiting for your next post. Thanks agian.
[Reply]
Darren, I know what you mean. The problem is that we get caught up in this mentality of “being productive” and never leaving time for our health and relaxation. Too often I find myself trying to “get that last bit of work done” before going home and leaving myself no time to go to the Y for my workout. I work on Saturday and Sunday instead of leaving a day for play and relaxation. It is a great point to try to schedule these times. We must be good stewards of our bodies. I think that is really what you mean when you indicated that we must consider this priority even before God. It isn’t that we consider ourselves; it is we must take care of ourselves to achieve our priorities.
[DARREN HARDY] You got it, Dana! Now go out there and LIVE IT!!!
[Reply]
Darren,
Most of us know what you wrote today. You just made us aware. And what we are aware of does not appear as fate. What you say is true. Any super-achiever is bound to have a strong sense of self. Conversely, all losers and addicts have a weak sense of self. I will be happy if you tell us how to rear that strong sense of self.
Your writings make me think.
[Reply]
I will be looking forward to receiving your Success Magazine in May!
I fully agree with you as regards putting you first in health, otherwise we cannot be here for our loved ones when needed. I recall a story of a boat, from years ago: if one person keeps in control, everyone, in an emergency, is able to cope…God is permeating our efforts and intentions. He is blessing us and is blessing you through your Newsletters and Success Magazine!
What wonderful role models for our time and inspiring people!
Thank you!
[Reply]
Darren, as always thanks very much for your insight. This article is perfect for my selfless 65 year old mom, who never takes care of herself, but everyone else. I truly hope this information sinks in and makes a difference in her life. If it won’t, I will have to work out a plan in collaboration with all effected family members and go at it as a family. Perhaps this is the right thing to do in the first place. Any ideas?
[DARREN HARDY] You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to change, but it is certainly worth a try! Especially when you care so deeply about the other person as I can tell you do about your mom. Getting the family involved and tackling this as a group effort, if necessary, is sure to make an impact. Good luck!!!
[Reply]
I just had to say that I started putting myself first – getting up at 5 am most mornings to go to the gym before going to the office and trying to eat right (most of the time) and I have to say, I have never felt better. Even though I still have to argue with myself when that alarm clock goes off, I’m committed to do it. I may not like it but by the time I’m done, I feel great…and now I look great too (bonus!). I have more energy, and more importantly, more focus on the things that are important. I can get through the day at the office without that 3 pm sugar fix. I have more energy to do things with my husband and family, and I’ve learned to focus more on the things that will benefit me, not just the busy work of daily living. This article was a good reminder to me to stay on track…it’s not easy…but the benefits far outweigh the short term discomfort!
[DARREN HARDY] Kudos to Nellie for making a plan for YOU and sticking to it! Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
Isn’t that the truth. What a perfect ananlogy!
Indeed, BOTH sides of the Judeo-Christian mandate, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” should always be remembered. Aside from that particular spiritual perspective, there’s logic: Who can ever really testify to and defend our needs and desires other than ourselves? Who can help anyone who has nothing to give?
As always, a wonderful, thought provoking post. Thank you for being, Darren.
- Sophie
[Reply]
Its about time they put health & wellness on the front of the Success magazine. Love it! Without your health you will not have success! People just don’t realize the energy you get from exercise and eating well. Life is a balancing act with all that we try to cram into our days. Take time for yourself first. Remember you are what you eat (do you want to look like a muffin?) and what goes in must come off!!!
If you are having a hard time finding time to exercise–get up earlier! Simple as that!
Thanks Darren for your great comments and your coaching! It has really helped me this year with focusing on what is important and not to take on too much this year. I am taking the time to be brillant at a few things this year instead! Tara
[DARREN HARDY] Glad you are enjoying our Health & Wellness issue this month, Tara! Sounds like we are preaching to the choir with you. Kudos to you for making such a commitment to your SUCCESS!
[Reply]
As always, I look forward to getting my next issue of SUCCESS for all of the many usable lessons written upon each page.
Thanks Darren!
Jeffrey Neubauer
[Reply]
Great post Darren!
As competitive athlete, I have followed this formula for years, and it WORKS!
Best
Paul
[Reply]
I saw this happen with my mother – she was always taking care of others and never made time for herself. Although she meant well, our family paid a price. As an adult, I have tried to stay healthy and take care of myself so that I can give more to my family and career. Sometimes I get a little lost in the weeds, as Americans, we can wear ourselves down to a nub, but I try not to get too far afield. Thank you for this reminder – I’ve posted your article on Facebook and Twitter!
P.S. And thanks for speaking at Ignition in Dallas a couple of years ago – you gave a great speech.
[DARREN HARDY] Thanks for sharing on Facebook and Twitter, Stacey!!!
[Reply]
This is one of the best advises I have received so far. Through the years, I really worked hard for the welfare of my family with myself the least priority until my retirement in 2003. It may not be too late to practice your advice so that I can still enjoy my sunset years with my grandsons/daughters. More Power…
[Reply]
WOW! I needed this. I’m going crazy now with my health by ignoring the issues because I need to take care of family & business. Which in all is very irritating to a sense… because I’m not taking care of me! I’m stressed, breaking out in hives, had shingles 3x over the years, fibromyalgia, 40-50 pounds overweight, & mostly do not eat right. I am looking forward to your tips for the month on health. This statement along was my eye opener. Because I am a child of GOD.
[DARREN HARDY] Sounds like this found you at exactly the right time. Stay focused on your goals and put yourself FIRST! It’s YOUR TIME! You can do it, Dionne!
[Reply]
Darren,
I think a lot of people grapple with this concept. In most religious traditions, sacrifice and selflessness help you grow spiritually. Hence people are torn between “taking care of them selves first vs. helping others first”. I am learning that I have been more charitable, selfless and available to serve when I have “secured” my own situation first. You can’t give what you don’t have…
[Reply]
This is the first time in my life that I have been able to focus on myself more. Kids are grown (kind of) I have more time than money
but the time is giving me options to pursue other directions as well. What I found was I was on the go all the time and really spiraling and not getting anywhere. Then my Dad had a stroke and by that happening it really threw things out of alignment in my life. I went from being pretty unorganized to being so off kilter that I wasn’t sure if I would ever be balanced again LOL
So what I did was take a step back and look at everything I had to do and prioritize and compartmentalize. I am now “trying” to take action on the things that “I can” do everyday. I realized that it really changed when I quit working out and taking care of my health. But I do think God should be first
[DARREN HARDY] Joy, you are certainly entitled to your own “order” but remember, as I told Mark above, He needs you to take care of you for Him first so you can do all the great works He has for you…thus you come before Him…for Him. So in essence you are making Him first by making you first. Keep taking action and doing what you can EVERYDAY!
[Reply]
Darren, it so happens that the oxygen mask analogy is the basis of my business model. When I started thinking about what I wanted to do after turning 40, I decided to put myself first and work on creating a company. Then I started wondering how many women like me, had not put themselves first. I don’t want to blame breeding for it, and yet, it seems that most women are raised with this idea that we have to take care of everyone else. It is like being a good mother means you go without. Nothing is further from the truth.
I noticed one of your readers was saying that God comes first and your answer was appropriate. We are missing the point. If we are not in good health, we are not going to be able to even thank God for our lives, because we might be too sick to do so. If we are not in good health, we cannot bless God in the highest way possible, which is living a blessed life. In reality, by putting yourself first, you are putting God first, because you belong to Him and are a part of Him.
Just like people get hung up on whether God comes first, women get stuck on putting their families first and again, we are making a mistake. The best example you can give your spouse and your children is to take the time to care for yourself. This is not about being selfish (I am not talking about sitting around doing nothing in the name of relaxation). This is about being smart enough to take at least an hour a day to meditate, exercise and organize your day to be the best you can be. And by resting and sleeping, you will also be in a better mood and your reflexes will be at their best.
Believe me, I spent 40 years putting everyone else first and three years later, I still relapse from time to time. The best days for me are those when I take care of me, sleep well, meditate, pray and eat the best I can. My reactions to events are better and I have less “bad days”.
[DARREN HARDY] Right on, Roxana! Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts here. You make great points for all of the women out there reading this.
[Reply]
That is a lesson we all need to be reminded of. As a mother and grandmother I have struggled often with taking care of myself first so I have something to give others. It often feels like I am being selfish but in reality it is one of the most unselfish things I can do. Being at my best means I can give my best. The visual with the oxygen mask helps me see it in a different light. thank you
[Reply]
Ok, I’m guilty as charged.
First thing I’m going to do is bookmark this on my desktop and give this article a quick review for the next 21 days. This will help me hold myself accountable to giving myself priority. No one said this will be easy after all these years of bad programming, but if I truly want to help others, it’s time for a new and better habit.
You’ll have to excuse me now because I have to find my oxygen mask.
Thanks for this great reminder!
[Reply]
For some reason, your posts are coming up on my screen in medium gray type against a black b/g – which makes for a difficult read. Please advise.
[MAGGIE SCOTT] Hi Terry! I have heard about this once or twice before. Try opening the blog in a different browser – Firefox works great for me. But don’t worry if that still doesn’t help, we are working on a redesign of the blog and hope to have it released soon.
[Reply]
I think it is often a challenge for us women to put ourselves first. We can feel misplaced guilt for taking care of our own priorities instead of attending to other people’s priorities. Too much of this can derail our careers or ruin our health over the long term.
Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone to get to the next level. As Einstein once said, the level of thinking that got us where we are is not what we need to get us to the next level. (I know these are not his exact words.) That might mean gritting our teeth and ignoring misplaced guilt in order to re-arrange our priorities.
Recently I wanted to have more time for my own projects, so I began getting up an hour earlier and claiming that time as my own. Since I had been sleeping during that hour before, my feeling was that I was not taking away from anyone if I now worked instead of sleeping. This took care of any misplaced guilt I might have felt. This might work for people who need more time for themselves but don’t want to take time away from their families.
I know what you fellow “night people” are thinking – getting up very early is a last resort! I felt that way, and I hate it hate it hate it when that alarm goes off, but I wasn’t getting that hour anywhere else in my day…
[DARREN HARDY] Great advice, Suzanne! And a great compromise, too. Starting the day off early, before everyone else is up, provides invaluable distraction-free time to get calibrated for the day AND spend quality time with YOURSELF! Thanks for sharing!!!
[Reply]
Hello Daarren, Thank you for your wonderfull messages. I do have the best of both worlds when it comes to feeding my mind, body and spirit. I have you Darren Hardy and Bill Philips (Body for life) who also shows me how to take care of my body through good food and excersise. If you don’t know him he is one to explore.
[Reply]
I started living like this a few years ago and let me tell you,my relationship with my children, my children’s father (we seperated 14 years ago) my family, The Creator and Myself got better and continues to flourish. What I learnt was that if I did not love myself no-one else would be able to get in and love me; the truth in the words that you show/teach others how to treat you by the way YOU treat yourself. I truly believe that I AM here to serve and be served. Each and everyone of us has been created in the image and likeness of The Creator, so the way I see it the Creator and I are One.
Thank You Darren
[Reply]
Oh dang – needed to hear this one today. Gotta run…literally! (and breathe!)
[Reply]
Darren, congratulations on your site’s content, which gives tips and guides the path of success. Success is fundamental in our mind. We have to go with that word always in our ideals. Success in mind, victory incident.
I wish you success and greetings from the Brazilian poet!
Raphael Davalle
[DARREN HARDY] Thanks, Raphael!!! Your kind words are so greatly appreciated.
[Reply]
This post actually brought tears to my eyes. I think I’ve placed my own well-being about 47th, somewhere after my daughter’s pet rat’s well being. No doubt I would have put the child’s oxygen mask on first, then given the child my oxygen mask for her to play with. Thanks for the revelation!
[Reply]
You are so right !I am always taking care of everyone else’s needs and get angry and depressed because all the things that I wanted to accomplish didn’t. From now on, I will put on my mask first! and pput myself on the schedule, before anyone or anything else.
[Reply]
There is another point of view that could be approached. That is if you truly honor God you are taking care of yourself and doing the right things in life that show that you do love God.
[Reply]
Way to go Darren!
You are clearly in touch with the zeitgeist. Post after post you say what needs to be said. You say what I and many others needed to hear and appreciate readign. You started the year off with your generous Design your Best Ten years program and followed it with spot on essays (blog posts) ever since. Your posts are narrow in scope and deep in content. Which is great. There are a million fluffy articles out there that leave me agreeing but wondering what to do. You have a terrific ability to narrow a topic and dig deep.
Keep up the great work Darren!
bye
eric
[Reply]
I appreciate your insight. I was raised by over achieving parents who consistently took care of everyone else except for themselves. My dad had a massive heart attack and almost died when I was 15, and my mom looked 60 when she turned 40. When I was in college, I had a full schedule and worked 48 hours in 3 days every week. I cried every Monday. On top of not sleeping, I ate from vending machines, never exercised, and surrounded myself with emotionally unhealthy people, and kept up this insanity even after having a baby. I finally crashed at 29. It took me about 3 years to recover from neglecting diet, sleep, exercise, and emotional health. At 40, I’m neurotic about keeping my body and mind healthy so I can feed my addiction of going a zillion miles an hour. I have a strict sleep, eat, exercise, relax, play, and family schedule. I never get sick and I can run circles around my 18 year old employees. My over achieving/worn out family is always telling me that I’m lazy. I still get more done than they do.
[Reply]
Darren,
This is so appropriate. In my past career I was an ER/ICU critical care nurse. The cause of much of the disease processes I treated were directly related to health/wellness deficiencies. I was shocked at the growing number of people that ignored warning signs, were completely non-compliant with treatment/diet/exercise, & etc.
Being a Mona Vie TEAM business partner with Orrin Woodward & Chris Brady has been the greatest thing that could ever happen to me! Paul Zane Pilzer was our guest of our Feb Winter TEAM leadership convention . WOW!!! After hearing how nutrition is an economical problem and the need to focus on health, I am convinced our nation needs much education. (Your blog on the evils of money goes perfect with this logic!)
Thank you for always bringing us what we need to read,hear, and learn.
[Reply]
Dear Darren,
Thank you for the great reminder of looking after myself and not allowing myself to run out of oxygen! Looking after others first used to be my priority and I later realized this was not healthy. I was exhausted for giving away my oxygen-I became non functional. I now work on taking care of myself first, so I can be there for my Family.
People credit others with their own success, happiness or sadness, instead of being grateful and humble, and realize that any outside factors only contribute to their own success and happiness. We make our own choices and only we are responsible for them. Many motivational speakers and leaders constantly talk about how it is our choice to feel the way we do; it is our choice in the direction we take to succeed or fail. Yet, many don’t include themselves in this. They credit God for their success and Satan for their downfall. Without you, God wouldn’t be there!!
Be gentle and loving to yourselves first, so your life will be the life it is meant to be. Keep that oxygen flowing!!
[Reply]
Looks like this hit home for a lot of folks….I was running through my email thinking about all the stuff I had to do today and this made me really stop and think of ME…thanks for giving me a reminder! I am going to post a sticky that says a big ME on it so it will keep me focused!
[Reply]
VERY INSIGHTFUL. THANKS
[Reply]
As a Firefighter, we are trained in many ways to help others. We learn to navigate extreme conditions in order to help, but if we have neglected any party of ourself we are unable to fullfill the exhaustive demands of the job. Only by taking exceptional care of ourselves, through training, diet, mental preperation and study can we be strong enough to give all that we have pledged to. Like a pyramid YOU are the base for all that evolves in your life… Faulty foundation leads to flaws in EVERYTHING above it…. Take CARE of yourself before looking to spread what you have!!!! You can only give of yourself to the highest quality you have maintained yourself. Not selfish, just realistic. If you become incapacitated you are now draining resources, rather than providing!!
And Beleive me, I KNOW the value of Oxygen, but with out mine I can’t get it to those in need!!!
[DARREN HARDY] Wonderful analogy, Brad! If your career as a Firefighter doesn’t drive the message home, I don’t know what will. THANKS!
[Reply]
I’m finally learning (in my 60′s) why I am burned out, out of gas, just plain tired or whatever tag you put on it. The oxygen analogy is perfect. You need oxygen to fuel energy in the body and energy is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Neither exercise, knowledge, the “good life” or faith alone will allow you enough oxygen to fuel all 4 parts of energy unless they in BALANCE!
Your article awakened me even more to that and I will continue to fuel all aspects of MY energy so I can once again help others find their balance.
Mt son at 40 is learning the same very difficult lessons. Bottom line it’s hard to look after yourself first but it is an absolute must to learn it early.
Many thanks for this article!
[Reply]
Darrin, I agree with having a strong body and mind. But you neglected another critical component – Spirit. Afterall, we are spiritual beings having a human experience (not the other way around). A strong Spirit needs be right up there with the strong body and mind.
[Reply]
. . . and maybe a better way of putting it, is a strong connection to your Spirit.
[Reply]
Hey Darren!
We “met” at the BeautiControl Conference last year. LOVE the magazine. It is one of the ways that I put my mask on first! I love this analogy and you are brave for saying it! People get their feathers ruffled when you introduce the concept of putting yourself first. I used to do a similar exercise as a corporate trainer and people would get so upset! I finally just quit doing the exercise! They just ween’t ready for it. They don’t see that if you drop dead of a heart attack because you didn’t manage your stress and take care of your body, you can’t serve the Lord, provide for your children, be productive…. It is so ingrained in us (women), that we rebel against the concept. It shakes up our equilibrium. Thanks for all you do! I emailed the link to every woman I know!
Michelle
[Reply]
Darren Hardy Reply:
April 15th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Thanks for sharing the message, Michelle! Sincerely hope all of the women you know are ready for it! Kudos to you trying to help regardless.
[Reply]
What I perceived from that excellent article is that the logos have become less artistic over the years. I guess everyone wants to simplify to make their logos easier to remember.
[Reply]
Well you can strike the first one right away – there is no god, so that frees time to work on the important stuff. Otherwise, good article!
[Reply]
Darren,
Love the article. I recently posted an article on a similar concept of leadership and oxygen masks. As organizational leaders, we must ensure we are constantly taking care of ourselves so that we can better serve those who are working with and for us. If we grow weary and faint, become disoriented to our purpose and mission, how will we effectively lead those that are traveling with us?
http://drjohnmcginn.com/executive-coaching-and-airline-oxygen-masks/
Blessings,
John
[Reply]
Thank you for the reminder… As difficult as it is, when you are a caring person and put work, family and friends first keeping them happy, we feel “succesful”. It can take all of you time listening and catering to their stories. In the end, we are left with no results to show for as a person but stories we help create for others. While balance is key, planning for self and sticking to the plan as suggested is good advice.
Here is an example of a women with some athletic history that was ready to help in time of need.
Casey Peirce that is awared a bravery medal for saving two canoeists from drowning. Listen to an interview at the 9th minute of this canadian radio segment link from cbc.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/asithappens/aihstreaming_20100804_01.wma
What got me is that any rescue effort, bravery act couldn’t happen if it wasn’t for taking time to be physically fit, mentally alert and have a supporting family. To schedule time for self first in order to assist others before we face by emergency situation, in this light is good advice.
[Reply]