Go Make A Can Of Soup
Some stories stay with you forever, not because they were dramatic or life‑changing, but because they reveal something about who we are—and how we understand the world. This is one of those stories. I’m willing to bet millions of parents will relate to it. The details may differ, but the characteristics are universal.
I was about nine or ten years old. My mother wasn’t feeling well and was resting in bed. I was hungry, and I didn’t want a bowl of cereal—one of the few things I actually knew how to make. My wife watches these cooking shows where kids bake like seasoned chefs. Meanwhile, back then I couldn’t crack an egg without creating a disaster zone. Those kids amaze me.
So I went to my mother and asked what I could have for lunch. Half-asleep, she mumbled, “Go make a can of soup.” I asked, “How?” Her instructions were simple: Take a can of soup, put it in a pot, and heat it up.
Sounded easy enough.
I went to the kitchen and followed her directions exactly. A few minutes later, I returned to ask how long it would take. That must have triggered her mom instincts, because she got out of bed, came into the kitchen, and—at least from my perspective—blew a gasket.
There on the stove was a can of soup, unopened, sitting in a pot, with the flame on underneath it.
Some of you are thinking, “Oh my gosh, I could totally see my kids doing that.” Others are thinking, “Why on earth would you do that?”
But if you go back to her instructions, I followed them to the letter. The assumption on her part was that I would know to open the can, pour the soup into the pot, maybe even read the directions. Those assumptions turned out to be… optimistic.
And honestly, imagine if she hadn’t come into the kitchen. This would be a very different story.
When “Clear” Instructions Aren’t Clear at All
This moment taught me something long before I had the language for it: what seems obvious to one person may be completely unclear to another. We all interpret instructions through our own lens—our experiences, our personalities, our assumptions.
Understanding personality styles makes communication easier and far more accurate. You learn how to deliver your message in a way the other person actually understands. This applies to parent and child, spouses, teachers and students—really, any two people trying to get something done together.
Looking back, I think this was the moment my mother realized she needed to start banging some common sense into my head. I was intelligent enough, but basic common sense? Let’s just say it was still under construction.
Blind Spots, Strengths, and Course Corrections
We can be brilliant in one area and completely in the dark in another. Personality styles work the same way—we all have blind spots, and we all have strengths. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness. Awareness lets you make course corrections, like a pilot adjusting mid‑flight.
It improves relationships. It improves teamwork. It improves life.
Unfortunately, some people learn about their personality style and use it as an excuse: “That’s just the way I am.” To them, I borrow Dr. Phil’s famous line: “How’s that working for you?”
There are no good or bad personality styles. We need all of them—families, businesses, organizations, friendships. Sure, some people let their style run out of control. That’s a personal challenge, not a personality flaw. I used to be an out‑of‑control “D” type myself, as you’ll see in some of my future posts.
Ready to Change Your Life? Join the Next Personality Training
If this story made you smile, think, or recognize a little bit of yourself (or your kids!), then you’re exactly the kind of person who will benefit from understanding personality styles on a deeper level.
Our next Personality Training Workshop is coming up, and I promise you—it will change the way you communicate, lead, parent, and connect with others. It’s practical. It’s eye‑opening. And it’s the kind of insight that sticks with you for life.
Register today and take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Your relationships—and your sanity—will thank you.
Social Media Version (Short, Punchy, Shareable)
“Go make a can of soup.” That’s what my mom told me when I was about 9 years old and hungry.
So I did exactly what she said. I took a can of soup… put it in a pot… and heated it up. Unopened. On the stove. Flame on.
Let’s just say my mom’s reaction was loud enough to install some common sense in me.
But here’s the real lesson: What seems like clear instructions to one person can be totally unclear to someone else. That’s why understanding personality styles matters. It helps you communicate in a way the other person actually understands—whether it’s your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, or anyone else in your life.
And when you understand your own style? You can make course corrections that change everything.
If you’re ready to improve your relationships, reduce frustration, and understand people on a whole new level, register for our next Personality Training Workshop. It will change your life. Seriously.
