Kim Gaskill uses a worn toothbrush as a metaphor for replacing ineffective tools and practices in business and daily life. The simple act of swapping out something old and worn becomes a lesson in recognizing when it's time to let go of what no longer works.
It's a new day. I'm Kim Gaskill and this is the Daily Spark. How long has it been since you replaced your toothbrush? I was looking at my toothbrush this morning. I don't know what happened to it. I took it out of the holder and it's totally flattened and smashed on the bristle end, like it was pushed up against something. But it was in a toothbrush holder, so I'm not sure how it got that way. But luckily I have a couple of spares. I always have a couple extra toothbrushes so that when it's time to change one out, I have one. But it's one of those things that I see people all the time using a toothbrush way beyond its effectiveness. It should have been replaced months ago. They have toothbrushes now that have a little indicator on them. They get to a certain color line of wear, and once you see that color, it's time to change them. Kind of like a tire where if you start seeing the red thread or whatever they have in there, it's time to change it. Now, toothbrushes may not be as big of a safety item as a tire not being changed on time, but it's the same principle. If you have something that has exhausted its effectiveness, it's done, it's no longer useful, or useful to the extent that it should be, replace it. Get rid of it and get a new one that is effective. It's the same way in business. If we keep doing something or using something that's only giving us half of what we need or a percentage of our best, why do we continue to use it? Especially with a toothbrush, they're a couple of bucks. I don't understand why people don't replace them more often because they really do have an important role. And the better the toothbrush, the better hygiene you have with your teeth. So think about that today and go brush your teeth. And if there's something hanging around that you should have replaced a long time ago, maybe you should check into replacement today. And join me again tomorrow for another Daily Spark.
