One of my shortcomings is that I tend to say yes when new opportunities show up. This week, it almost happened again. An opportunity presented itself, I explored it, and received an invitation to become more involved. Instead of saying yes, I hesitated. And then this metaphor hopped up. The little froggy is sitting placidly in the pot while the steam starts to rise up around her. Is that a nice hot relaxing bath she’s soaking in or is it a kettle about to come to a boil?
The froggy may look comfortable but she’s not. She’s talked herself into ignoring that conditions are no longer habitable. By the time she figures out that she’s in hot water, it’s too late. Frankly, I am in no mood to get cooked. I turned the heat down by turning down the invitation. (And truth be known, I rarely regret the stuff I’ve said no to; it’s the yeses that always seem to get me in the most trouble.)
I’m taking that frog a lot more seriously now. If this rings true for you, too, think about putting in some safeguards so you can tell when the water is getting too hot. Nothing heats the water up faster than an overcommitted schedule. And if you can’t turn down the heat, make sure to get regular infusions of cooler water in the form of rest, laughter, and time with friends and family.
Only you can determine when the pot is getting too hot. Don’t wait until you’re too cooked to realize what you’ve gotten into. Get a great gift for yourself: a thermometer for your life. Ribbit.(This is a revised repost from here.)
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