"The Think Method"

It was professor Harold Hill* who came up with the idea of using "The Think Method" to teach young people how to play musical instruments.  Over the years, I've come to embrace "The Think Method" as a reasonable approach to unpleasant tasks.

Take, for example, exercising.  This is the most marvelous application of "The Think Method" I've ever come up with.  Some people thrive on exercise, finding themselves addicted to sweating and exhausting themselves on a regular basis.  I, on the other hand, prefer to apply my obsessive-compulsive tendencies toward other pursuits.  (Surely a cat lady would not exert herself unnecessarily!)  However, I'm always aware of the fact that I would feel and look much better if I exercised on a regular basis.

This fact often comes to mind as I'm lying in bed at night obsessing about my weight and/or general state of health.  As I lie there, thinking about what a blob I am, I begin to imagine exercising.  I think about becoming motivated to start a new exercise discipline.  The more I think about it, the more I feel re-energized and upbeat.  It's very Zen-like.  Before long it feels as though I've actually completed the exercise regimen.  "The Think Method" is really working!

I feel fulfilled and renewed, having thought my way through an exercise program.  It's as though I've actually spent an hour on the recumbent bike, which continues to lie fallow in my dining room.  My body feels refreshed and rejuvenated.

I can happily go about my business the next day, knowing that I've paid close attention to my physical well-being.  I can feel really good about myself, all because of "The Think Method!"  As they say on infomercials, "IT REALLY, REALLY WORKS!"

Thank you, Professor Harold Hill!

*For the purposes of this article, we shall ignore the fact that Harold Hill is no more real than his method of instruction.  (With apologies to Meredith Willson.)