On March 31, 1973, Ken Norton defeated Muhammad Ali in decisive fashion, breaking his jaw in the second round. Their rematch came six months later, on September 10. But something bizarre happened three nights before their second fight.
Both fighters made a joint appearance on The Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson. After Norton discussed the upcoming fight, Carson turned to Ali. For the next several minutes, rather than discussing the fight, Ali would only talk about – ready for this? – UFOs.
When I watched a tape of that crazy dialogue, I was reminded of the verse of old. Solomon said that there are times when “it is better to say nothing” (Ecclesiastes 5:5).
The typical person speaks 7,000 words per day. That gives her 7,000 opportunities to impact her world – either positively or negatively.
Think about that today, as you speak to your spouse, children, coworkers, or mailman. Let your words make a difference is someone else’s day and in their recovery.
Recovery Step: You have 7,000 chances to make a difference today. Make them count.
