What is this for?

Every decision we make, every action we take, and every single thing we say (and even think), reinforces a pattern.

It deepens a skill set.

We get better at doing that thing we just did.

This is one of our greatest strengths and one of our most glaring vulnerabilities.

I imagine we all want to strengthen the things that make the world a better place and to limit the practice of things that take us away from this objective. If that’s true for you then I suggest you take a moment as often as possible to ask,

“What is this for?”

Before you speak, “What are these words for?”

Before you start typing, “What is this message for?”

The answer can be small.

I am sharpening this pencil because I am writing a letter and need something to write with.

It can be big.

I am sharpening this pencil because I seek to remove interference in all aspects of my life. When I sharpen my pencil before I write, I remove the excess particulates that would otherwise distract from the clarity of my words and dilute the emotion I hope to facilitate. With clarity, my messages are more likely to cause the change I seek to make.

When I sharpen the tools that I use to contribute to the world, whether they are my words, my hands, or my empathy, I give with precision.

What is it for?

What change do you want to see in the world?

What do you need to get better at in order to make that change?

You don’t even need to have a clear answer. Just by asking…

You are practicing.