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https://www.littlelessonslearnedbydana.com/blog
 A Tater Tale: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 "There are those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say what happened?” ~ Robert T. Kiyosaki On life’s journey, you will meet many different personalities along the way. There are the friendly folk, the “go-getters,” the hard-nosed and stubborn sort, the fearful, the cautious observers, and those who see life as a great adventure to be lived to the fullest. Some people are easier to get along with than others, but recognizing how these personality types operate can help us immensely in building more successful communication and relationships. Years ago, when I was leading several support groups, I wanted to create an engaging way to discuss different personality types with my clients. I remembered a creative lesson from Sunday school when I was a little girl, one that used potatoes to represent different kinds of people. I decided to revive that idea and add my own creative flair. I challenged my clients to think openly about each type I described, encouraged them to share who they felt most connected to, and invited them to reflect on which one sounded “just like them.” With this in mind, the infamous Tater Family was brought to life. I imagined them as Mr. Potato Head–style characters, each with a personality all their own. By introducing these characters one by one, we launched meaningful discussions about the people who fit each category and reflected on where each of us might grow in self-improvement. It is with pleasure and great pride that I now share The Tater Family with you, starting with Dick. Dick Tater Dick Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Dick Tater (Dictator) was a crusty old tater with an intimidating presence. He ruled his household and workplace with an iron fist. The rules enforced by Dick Tater were to be followed without question. He considered himself the authority on anything and everything, regardless of his actual knowledge or lack thereof. People were uncomfortable around him and did what he said out of pure fear, not respect. In his presence, they felt very “mashed” and sadly reduced to “tater tot” status. Dick Tater had often held leadership positions, but somehow he was never able to truly rally his troops or boost staff morale. He often wondered why his family and coworkers seemed discouraged, almost beaten down, whenever he was around. As he peppered out demands, he insisted that he had their best interests at heart and that his stern methods of communication were for their own good. Yet, his approach was anything but effective. Everyone around him was deemed “the issue,” and it became his mission to whip these “pathetic losers” into shape. Much to his dismay, Dick Tater could never understand why he sat alone at the lunch table or was avoided in social circles. Underneath his rough exterior, however, was someone who truly needed others, he just couldn’t bring himself to admit it. Hesi Tater Hesi Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Next was Hesi Tater (Hesitator). Hesi Tater was a sweet individual who had many dreams and goals for herself, yet unfortunately, she was truly her own worst enemy. When it came to making any positive life changes, she was always on the fence. She wanted to improve her life but couldn’t rise above thoughts like, “What if I fail?” She wanted to get out and meet people, but taking risks was just too scary for Hesi Tater. Her fears and worries kept her stuck, as if she were wearing cement shoes. She was filled with regret over all the opportunities she had missed, yet couldn’t seem to bring herself to step out of her comfort zone. No one really knew what she was capable of, because she never allowed herself to show it. Her nervousness kept her immobilized. Hesi Tater always believed there was someone more qualified and better suited for every task that came her way. Trying new things was simply too frightening, so instead she fretted and stewed over every life decision, big and small. Her brain felt “fried” from all the intense worrying. Hesitating on big decisions can sometimes be wise, but for Hesi Tater she hesitated on everything, big and small which ultimately left her completely stuck. Spec Tater Spec Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Now meet Spec Tater (Spectator), a passionate audience member who preferred to be “roasted” in the sun. He was always in the stands, faithfully cheering for the team, yet he refused to get involved. When offered a place on the team, he immediately declined, though he was quick to offer suggestions for others he thought were much more suitable and qualified. His complacency allowed him to literally watch his life go by, and it was painful to witness. Spec observed what successful people were doing but never took steps to implement those lessons in his own life. He saw life as a spectator sport, but life is not like that. It demands that we jump in with both feet and take a leap of faith. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but we’ll never know if we just stay in the bleachers. Somehow, our friend Spec just hadn’t quite figured that out yet. Imi Tater Imi Tater: concept created by Dana Romualdi © 2014 Finally, meet Imi Tater (Imitator). She is and always was the ray of hope—the “fully loaded” superstar in this unique cast of characters. Imi Tater had gone through a rough “patch” of imitating the wrong crowd but had truly turned her life around and was now a shining example for many. She had every self-help book known to man on her bedside table. She watched and learned from successful people, walked alongside them, and sought their wisdom. She shared her story and struggles with candid honesty and sought wise counsel about how to handle life’s challenges. She attended church faithfully and read her Bible daily, believing that the source of all wisdom and strength was our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She made it her mission to be an imitator of Him. When faced with a dilemma, she would ask herself, “What would Jesus do?” This always helped her make the right choice because she had learned the secret found in Scripture, that if anyone lacks wisdom, he or she should ask God, and that “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” People couldn’t help but commend her for her remarkable transformation. She turned her life around with God by her side, through hard work, wise counsel, and the support of committed people in her corner. So, which tater sounds the most like you? Perhaps you can see yourself, at different times, relating to each one of them. I was a hesitator in many areas of my life in the past. I allowed fear and insecurity to keep me stuck, but I’m so thankful that I’ve truly grown in this area. The good news is that all of these personalities have positive qualities, too, they’re channeled appropriately. Another piece of great advice: it’s never too late to make a fresh start. I think of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and how one eventful evening transformed an angry dictator into a kind and compassionate imitator of love. Change is possible, and so exciting to witness. When I would hear my clients’ testimonies about how they had changed their lives with God’s help and positive life steps, it was always powerful and deeply emotional. Life is too short to be a dictator, hesitator, or spectator. Be an imitator of Christ, and of those in life who hold the secrets to true success. You are amazing and fully capable of change. A whole world awaits you. Get rid of that frown, stop worrying about what could go wrong, and come down off the bleachers to join the game of life as an active participant. There’s a whole wonderful world out there just waiting to meet the real you, a world that’s been waiting far too long. Don’t you think it’s about time? Call to action: Reflect on these questions. 1. Which Tater do you most relate to? 2. What can you do today to make changes and become more of an Imitator? 3. Pray that God will help you to pattern your life more after His and learn to walk in victory, not defeat. Until next time, ~ Dana Ephesians 5: 1-2: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. Little Lesson Learned: Don’t let others “dictate” to you what your life should be. Without “hesitation,” stop being a “spectator” and instead “imitate” the behaviour of Christ and those who have the right answers to life’s most difficult problems. Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2014 first edition, © 2024 second edition
Tags: tater family, dictator, hesitator, imitator, spectator, dictate, hesitate, imitate, spectate, take action, personalities, transformation
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