TAD Directive

As I drove to work this morning and was pondering my next tattoo (which will be homage to the children in my life) a statement stuck in my mind. I want the tattoo to represent what they mean to me and how I want them to grow to be. Then I remembered the TAD directive. Devised years ago to guide me as I did work for Uncle Sam, it’s a trivial acronym that has burned its way into my being. Of all the random stuff I have carried for my life this one has taught and kept me on my path.

TAD stands for Think Act Deal. Three simple words but oh do they mean so much more. THINK as this skill is disappearing in today’s age it is critical that you NEVER forget it. Even in that life changing, time stops and the Zen like calm of a life stops everything there is time to THINK. Give it a second and think and I mean really think about it. What will this cost? Where will it take me? Can I live with my choice? Seems like a child’s nursery rhyme but so often we forget that a moment of thought could prevent a lifetime of regret.

ACT; now we are talking and let’s get it on! Actions lead to consequence and consequence is that big world that we carry for life. Acting without thought rarely goes well. Those people who say they do not think have either been in that situation enough to develop the memory of it or are lucky to have survived it. Act with authority and fluid confidence which is in all of us. You have THOUGHT about it, weighed it out and now as a true force of nature you will ACT.

T and A are done, now we DEAL with it. Of all the steps this is the hard one. Here we may have to bow, apologize, regret, fear reprisal or just live with the gravity of our actions. To many times many people shrug it off as it is nothing and forget about it. Take no action lightly and think it through. You know those choices we made that were “not so good”? The best part of it was when we stood up and said “I did it”. Ownership not only gives a true path it also lets others know who and what you are. Respect is earned and never given! We may hate a mistake but I will at least think better of someone if they stand up and bear the burden of their choice.

THINK as if your world depends on it

ACT with every ounce of life you have

DEAL by holding your head high owning your action