When the heat is on, how can you turn it into a source of positive energy and an opportunity to succeed?
The desert is a world of extremes. During the day it endures scorching heat, and at night temperatures descend below freezing. There is very little rainfall so the land and its inhabitants must endure long stretches of time without water. Sounds pretty uninhabitable.
Many plants and animals, however, thrive in this extreme environment. To survive, many desert animals have discovered vital secrets we can learn from.
The camel prepares for famine by storing up during an occasional feast. As it eats, a portion of its food is transformed into fat. The fat is stored in the top of the camel’s back—the hump. The camel drinks up to 25 gallons of water at one time, because it will likely be a long time before water is available again.
Most desert animals learn to adjust their sleeping schedules to take advantage of the chilly hours. When the heat is the hottest, they burrow into the cooler ground and sleep. Their breathing helps keep their abodes moist. Some animals even stay asleep for days at a time during severe heat waves.
Most hunting is done at night. With extra-large ears, a fox can detect its prey even in the dark. Some animals, like the addax, do not need water but get their liquid from plants that store water in their leaves. Others, like wallabies and kangaroos, provide their own air conditioning by washing their bodies in their saliva.
The animals are equipped with skills that help them utilize their environment and prepare for the harsh conditions they face. They have learned to “take the heat” and deal with it in a successful way.
In many of our “hot” times, there is nothing we can do to reduce the heat or remove ourselves from the situation. We must learn to adapt our behavior to live within it the best we can. Not one of these animals ever thought of how to escape, but instead they adapted their energies to make the most of their environment. They have succeeded in spite of immense odds. Consider adopting the same attitude toward your environment—no matter how unpleasant or demanding it seems to be.
Think of ways you can adapt your schedule and lifestyle to better utilize the positive aspects of your environment, whether it be work, school, or home. Identify the challenges you face. Be creative in seeking ways you can adjust your limitations, your work space, or your efforts to overcome those challenges. “Take the heat” and transform it into a source of positive energy for yourself and those around you.
Here are some points for reflection:
Think of ways you can better adapt your preferences and customary behaviors to them.