Are You Carrying And Transmitting Fixin To?

There is an epidemic influencing children all over the country. To date, there is no medical or pharmaceutical immunization or vaccine that can be prescribed to prevent the spread of this plague. Just like any other childhood illness, this illness can wreak havoc on the life, longevity and quality of life for anyone who becomes afflicted with this disease.

What’s worse is that this scary disease if not treated early has long-term paralyzing power. Children who otherwise would have the capability and potential to do great things can be rendered lifeless – forever existing in an almost comatose state.

Early Warning Signs

Fortunately, there is one definite early warning sign that you should be aware. If you notice this sign early enough, you have a chance of keeping your child from becoming one of the unwilling victims of this horrendous disease.

The sign you must be aware of is when your child routinely speaks the words “fixin to”.  “Fixin to” is a colloquialism that most parents are familiar. Fixin to as in I’m “fixin to” do my homework; I’m “fixin to” clean my room; and I was “fixin to” come home.

Shamefully, “fixin to” is a condition that not only afflicts children but it continues to afflict most parents as well.

Passed On From Parent to Child

Early research suggests that “fixin to” is an illness that is often transmitted from parent to child. If you are a parent who commonly makes pronouncements such as I’m “fixin to” start working out; I’m “about to” leave (as in leave the office on time); I’m “getting ready” to lose weight; I’m “going to start” getting out of debt; I’m “about to” change my life; I’m “getting ready” to find a new career; I’m “fixin to” do what I’m passion about; etc. – you are one of the parents responsible for transmitting this catastrophic disease to your unsuspecting offsprings.

I learned as a child that declaring that you are “fixin to” is code for you haven’t done and most likely aren’t going to do anything. “I’m fixin to” was a common childhood response of mine – when asked if I had done something that my parents assigned me to do.

Generally, my father’s power of persuasion (punishment and/or belt) reminded me of the inadequacy and emptiness of the words “fixin to”. Through painful, slow, continuous, sore and deliberate reminders, I came to understand that “fixin to” do something, about to do something, being in the process of doing something or getting ready to do something are not remotely the same as doing anything.

Be A Doer Not A Fixin To Doer

It took me a while to fully grasp the importance of this lesson. I cried a few tears and acquired a few welts, bumps and bruises in the process. Nevertheless, I learned the difference between “fixin to” and doing.

Today, the meaning and the ability to distinguish the two has never been clearer. Consequently, as my good deed for the day and as my way to pay it forward, I wanted to make sure you know and understand the power and pervasiveness of the disease FIXINTO.

If you are one of the millions of parents who are always “fixin to” do something, for the sake of your children and for the sake of your own well-being it’s time to stop “fixin to” and start doing, performing, and completing. Yet, if raising children who plan, successful complete tasks and live enriched lives is not motivation enough to stop “fixin to”, perhaps I can ask my dad if he still has his belt.

There appears to be nothing quite as motivating as when a real sense of urgency is created. I am a living testament of the power of urgency. Thirty plus years later, I still maintain a real sense of urgency to be symptom free of the disease FIXINTO.

My urgency was inspired by the feeling conveyed from my father’s very real belt. I suspect if you don’t sense the urgency to rid yourself of FIXINTO and require some additional prodding (for the sake of your children’s well-being), my father would be happy to lend a helping hand – belt included.

What personal declarations have you made that remain unfulfilled? Do your children habitually fail to do what they need to or promised to do?