Putting out Fires with Fire Hydrants

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You may be familiar with this tool because of its inconvenience when trying to park. It’s easy to spot, and it’s on nearly every block. It’s a tool that you hope you don’t need, but you’re glad you have when you do.

I’m talking about Fire Hydrants.

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Fire Hydrants are a staple on our streets now, but it wasn’t always like that. Fire Hydrants weren’t in use until about the 1800’s. Before that, water had to be carried to the fire. There are various ways to transport water, from using buckets and a line of people, to carrying it in a wagon. Regardless of how it was transported, it wasn’t very efficient to complete the job.

Response time would be slow and a lot of people were needed. Most importantly, the water could run out. Fire Hydrants changed all of that.

With Fire Hydrants, there is a readily available source of water that isn’t going to run out. Fire fighters can now hook up a hose and start putting out the flames.

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Most of us aren’t actual firefighters, but we do put out fires every day.

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What are our fires?

• Changes made right before a deadline.
• A broken faucet.
• A flat tire.
• Missing the plane.
• High tensions after a fight.

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The list could go on, but I think you’re seeing the point. There are situations every day that put our problem solving skills to the test.

The most draining parts to putting out fires happens right when the fire is noticed and after the fire takes place. When the fire is noticed, most of us feel a sense of panic or at least anxiety.

• What will I do?
• How could things get worse?
• Why does this keep happening?
• Etc.

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These thoughts are draining. Despite these thoughts, we push through and get the job done. This is done by using our resources, reaching out for help, and sometimes hoping that the situation will fix itself or someone else will fix it for you.

We also feel drained afterwards, and oddly enough, it’s because of the same questions as above.

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It doesn’t have to be this way.

Fire Hydrants don’t put out fires – water does. Fire Hydrants just make it easier to access the water you need.

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We can create our own Fire Hydrants to help us with our day-to-day fires.

When a fire starts, instead of asking negative questions, start with what You Know.

• I am a problem solver.
• I’ve solved this problem before.
• I have access to the resources I need.
• Things are going to be okay.

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If there’s a resource that you always lean on, make it as easily accessible as possible. Is there a person who’s your go-to? Instead of putting off that inevitable call, make it right away. People are generally happy to help.

Leave visual cues or resources in spaces where they may be useful.

• A poster in your office with your I Know’s*.
• A list of trusted repair services on your fridge.
• The numbers of people who you go to for advice.

The list can go on.

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We know that fires are going to happen. We also know they usually happen at the worst time. Instead of reacting to them and hoping there’s water nearby, strategically place Fire Hydrants in both your mind and physical environment. You’ll be glad you did.

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*I learned about I Know’s from Coach Kamille Rose. I’m grateful for all she’s taught me about positive questions and creating an environment of success.

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Questions for You

What spot in your life could use an easily accessible Fire Hydrant?

What are three I Knows that you can start using today?

What is a visual that can remind you of what you know?

Where would be a good place to keep that visual?

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I’d love to hear from you! Comment Below!

Disclaimer: Any links or mentions of companies/brands included in this newsletter are for educational use only. I’m not currently endorsing or affiliated with any products/companies/brands shared in this newsletter, I’m just sharing information.