What makes Baby Shark so catchy? It’s a children’s song and a top 40 hit that appeals to kids and adults around the world. It has spawned dozens of variations and its own line of toys. It’s been viewed more than one and a half billion times on YouTube.

By now, you’ve probably seen the video regardless of whether you have any small children at home. Maybe you’ve even danced along as the family of sharks goes hunting and cheered for the happy ending where everyone winds up safe.

Maybe you’re on the end of the spectrum of tuning out the song when you hear it. And that’s perfectly fine, I do the same thing! However, I’ve also pulled 3 basic principles from the song that can really power your life and give you even more influence with people in your vortex today.

The three lessons are: Living Simply, Remembering the Importance of Family, and The Power of Repetition.

First, The Value of Simplicity

The song Baby Shark is only 1 or 2 minutes long, and most of the lyrics consist of repeating the sound “DO”. There can be a lot of power in what is commonly viewed as “simple.”

Use these strategies to simplify your life:

1. Buy only what you need. Studies show that experiences rather than possessions contribute more to happiness. Develop a hobby instead of shopping for entertainment.
   
   
2. Clear away clutter. Take a look at the possessions you already have. Put aside things you can donate or sell. Owning less stuff means less time spent cleaning and maintaining it. It’s also freeing to clear away what doesn’t belong in this season of your life now.
   
   
3. Be mindful. Forget about multitasking. Instead, focus on doing one thing at a time. You’ll experience less stress and the quality of your work will increase.
   
   
4. Give thanks. Appreciate what you have rather than longing for more. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for.
   
   
5. Set priorities. Figure out your values and what you want to do to live a meaningful life. Schedule your time so you can channel your resources where they’ll have the most impact.

Second, The Importance of Family

Baby shark sticks close to his parents and grandparents. The quality of your relationships plays a big part in determining how happy and productive you are. Surround yourself with love and support from the family you were born into or the one you create with friends, business partners, at church, or local groups you join.

Try these techniques to strengthen your family bonds:

1. Listen more. Listen closely to each other. Share your dreams and express your feelings. Help the people in your vortex feel valued and understood.
   
   
2. Eat food together. With family sit around the same table for a meal at least once a week if not more. (If dinner is difficult to coordinate, make it breakfast or lunch.) The same should be a priority with those you work with. Get to know co-workers and business partners by grabbing lunch once a week, rather than sitting alone.
   
   This same thought leads into spending intentional time with those in your circle of influence from co-workers, friends, and family…
   
   
3. Spend one on one time. Plan activities that you can do separately with members of your family, your business partners, or individual friends. Schedule the time in advance so that you have fun things to look forward to through the week or month (like lunches). You’ll create a closer connection and lasting memories.
   
   
4. Share decision making. In your family and with business partners, give each person a voice in the process. This will increase the enthusiasm for working towards shared goals.

Third, The Power of Repetition

Major accomplishments usually require many small actions. Repetition helps important lessons to sink in and creates alignment for yourself and others.

Follow these steps to make small changes with big results:

1. Clarify your thinking. Even when a subject seems basic, reviewing the matter may deepen your understanding or reveal new facets. You could wind up with a stronger business plan, better messaging on your next campaign, or even a fuller vacation with family with everyone’s input.
   
   
2. Pick up new skills. Expertise is usually developed through extensive practice. Be persistent and strategic about building your core strengths. A great place to start is by first learning what your strengths even are with CliftonStrengths. Go through the Strength Finders Assessment with your closest business partners, employees, and spouse; elevate your knowledge of what those closest to you excel in naturally. Then discuss plans on how you can work together, supporting each others’ strengths as you move through life together.
   
   
3. Form positive habits. It’s easier to make constructive choices when you make the process automatic. After a month of jogging each morning, it will seem like the natural thing to do. The same can be true with changes in lifestyle and relationships to have a more simple and stronger relationship base with those in your circle of influence now.

Final Thoughts

Baby Shark is simple but effective. Let this children’s song inspire you to simplify your life and create stronger relationships that propel you forward in life in your goals. You can be more intentional with your time, effective in your communication, a have focused priorities with a simpler lifestyle. Ultimately, you can lead a more enjoyable life with the basic lessons from Baby Shark! Do-do-do-do!