What is the Minimum Number of Times You Can Drop a Baby?

In the past, we have talked about the danger of using the words always and never.  They are absolutes and situations rarely occur which are absolute.  Rarely does not mean never, however.  There are certain times when absolutes are effective and even necessary.

How Many Times Can You Drop a Baby?

There is an old question: “How many times can you drop a baby safely?”  The obvious answer is never, which is the point of the question.  It refers to the fact that there are certain situations where you should never do something, like dropping a baby.  There is no minimum amount that is acceptable. 

This question, however, can be used to direct certain behaviours that we would like to change.  For instance, what is the minimum number of cigarettes you can smoke?  Or, what is the minimum number of candy bars you can have in a week? 

If you are trying to change your behaviour, sometimes the use of absolutes can be the most effective way to achieve it.

Used sparingly, they can be effective ways to success if you want to radically change something in a short period of time.