a 212 life
by Sam Parker
Water is hot at 211 degrees.
Heat it to 212, it boils and creates steam.
And with steam, you can power a machine.
1 extra degree changes everything.
1 more degree and we find ourselves with something powerful, useful, meaningful.
An inviting metaphor that on its surface implies ease. Just a little extra effort and we can create something wonderful. True at times but the real value in the 212 concept is deeper.
I’ve been with the idea for a long time. It was 2002 when I first explored it in a crude ebook I titled, 212° the extra degree. It was a digital file (PDF) I emailed to readers. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to share it with many people in different ways (books, videos, speaking at meetings & conferences). Over that time, the message has evolved for me as I’m sure it has for others (see notes below).
What began as an inspiring message to encourage all of us to try harder, grew into something that includes the importance of developing one’s ability to be consistently attentive—mindful.
The initial simplicity of the message is helpful, I think. It quickly captures the mind and heart as something “even I can do.”
It’s optimistic—hopeful. Who can’t put in a little extra effort?
So, the idea connects, sticks, and shows up as action more than it might otherwise, keeping us rooted in the awareness that sometimes a little more matters. And with awareness, comes opportunity. The more we see and experience 212 examples, the more likely we are to cultivate and nurture a set of habits (discipline) and a way of thinking that leads to more consistent action, giving ourselves a better shot at the special and meaningful things we might want.
And that’s it, the deeper truth of the 212 concept.
It’s consistent attention and effort over time that gets us to special. That last degree gives us our steam but it’s preceded by 211 other degrees.
There’ll be times when that last degree is easier to reach than it is scientifically (see notes below). But, the real message here is to be as consistent as we can in developing and strengthening our ability for good thinking and doing—to reach and keep reaching, to love and keep loving.
Excited?
You and the spark. In the end, they’re one in the same. You guard that because it’s precious.
Now it’s time to get to work.
° Martin Scorsese | American filmmaker | 1942 -
Notes:
In the beginning, I had steam power a train. I like the word machine now. It’s more contemporary and inclusive of all that steam can do.
Scientifically, the energy needed to get from one degree to the next increases as the temperature increases. So scientifically, that last degree is never easy. But, a smile or a simple kind statement that can dramatically change the mood of the room, is.