NeverOnTime Airlines and Habit #5: Always There for You

In The 7 Habits of Highly Dependable People, I concluded the post with the question:

What qualities would make you feel you could depend on someone?

Karen responded, “… consistency is really important to trust someone.”

Obviously, when we talk about consistency as a virtue, we refer to the positive use of consistency. Contrast these scenarios:

1. 

   When I was in High School, I used to walk to school with my friend Chavi (not her real name). We agreed that she would pick me up each day at 7:50 AM.

   Every morning, even before 7:50, Chavi would knock on my door. Over four years of High Shchool, I don’t remember her ever being late. I could always count on her to be ready and on time.

2. You are an important business executive. You have an important meeting in another city, and need to get there on time.

   

   NeverOnTime Airlines has some great fares, and you nearly book your ticket with them. Then you hear that their flights are habitually delayed or canceled.

   Would you depend on this airline to get you there on time?

3. 

   A teacher assigns homework to be done. Sometimes, the teacher collects and grades the assignment. Other times, she forgets to check that the work has been done.

Both examples 1 and 2 exhibit consistency. NeverOnTime Airlines was consistently late, and my friend Chavi was consistently on time. Few people would choose to fly NeverOnTime Airlines, but anyone would rely on Chavi!

The third example, however, demonstrates inconsistency. The students are never sure whether the work really needs to be done. Some students may try to get away with not doing their homework because they do not believe their teacher will really check it.

You feel you can trust someone when he has consistently been there for you in the past. If he has never let you down until now, you feel you can depend on him to come through for you.

Review of the 7 Habits of Highly Dependable People (so far)

1. Love and care
2. Attentive and available
3. Able and unstoppable
4. Knows what you really need
5. Consistently there for you

Practical Bitachon

Consider how Hashem has cared for you ever since you were born. Even if you have had a hard life, remember that your life itself is a gift from Hashem.

Keep in mind that Hashem helps you by always giving you exactly what you need (Habit #4). While consistently being there for you (Habit #5) is usually thought to include things like food, shelter, clothing, family, health etc, it may also include pushing along your growth through challenge or unpleasant situations!

The more you look to see how Hashem’s Hand has guided your entire life until now, the better able you are to have Bitachon (trust) that Hashem will continue to look out for you in the future.

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Baby Steps: Enjoying the Bitachon Process

In the last two weeks, I have been watching something truly amazing.  Shortly before his first birthday, my baby began standing independently.  He took one, then two, then four steps. We clapped for seven, cheered for ten, and marveled at fifteen.

No one made fun that he fell after two steps, or that he could not make it all the way across the room. No one expected him to fetch slippers or bring in the mail or walk up the stairs. We all just smiled and enjoyed watching his learning process. No one was disturbed that he hadn’t yet reached the end goal. His improvement, however slight, was enough to elicit oohs and aahs from us all.

Learning to trust in God is a process. It is something we practice in baby steps; one stride today, one more tomorrow. Focus on the growth, pick yourself up when you fall down, and before you know it, you’ll be running!

Here are some Bitachon baby steps you can take today:

• Don’t get angry over something trivial (like a messy spill – this annoyance was Heaven-sent)
• If you already got angry, let go of your anger. (Here too, aim to recognize that the mishap or misdemeanor was Heaven-sent. Just because you missed the opportunity to exhibit Bitachon when it first happened does not mean you can't have a second chance!)
• Remind yourself that Hashem loves you (think of three things you are thankful for)
• Don’t worry, be happy (worry won’t help, trust that the outcome will ultimately be whatever Hashem has chosen for you)
• Think: “How can I grow from this situation?”. There is an opportunity for growth hidden in every challenge.
• Remember: Bitachon doesn't mean that the situation isn’t difficult. It means trusting that Hashem is running the show and that what He is doing is good for me, even if I don’t know why.

I’m sure you can add many more to this list! Just pick one that’s appropriate and do it!

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