Attitude – The Little Engine That Could
Straight and Tall
Storms
Lessons from Juggling….
βCan anyone juggle?β I asked.
A few raised their hands and I invited them forward.
I gave them three balls each and asked them to show us how.
Admittedly, they were a little rusty, but after a few attempts, the basics returned.
βWho would like to learn how to juggle?β I asked.
A few raised their hands and I invited them forward.
I gave those who could juggle the assignment to teach those who came forward how to juggle.
The challenge – they had only two minutes to show them how.
After their time was up, the novice jugglers showed us their rudimentary skills.
The result – it wasnβt very pretty, with balls flying everywhere β but it was great fun!
After a few attempts, one even managed to complete a cycle of three balls through the air.
The Lessons β
- Learning takes practice.
- Growth and Development takes time.
As we grow older and develop in life, we have to learn how to juggle many responsibilities. Frequently, it can take lots of practice to get things right.
That day, I gave a new set of juggling balls to the willing learners.
Pleasingly a week later, one by one they told me of their significant improvement in their juggling skills.Β Each of them had taken time to learn the techniques of throwing and catching a ball. They had practiced with 2 balls and then ultimately juggled with 3.Β With lots of continuous practice, 4 balls wonβt be a problem either.
Learning something new?Β Donβt get too disheartened and throw in the towel too soon!
Remember, practice and time are key principles in our learning, growth and development.
The Book of Mormon Musical
Once Upon A Time….
Do, Feel, Learn….
I have listened to hundreds, if not thousands of workshops, talks and conferences throughout my life.
At the end, frequently I’ll ask myself the following….
- What did I feel as a result of this experience?
- What am I going to do as a result of this lesson?
- What did I learn as a result of this teaching?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Through inspired teaching, feelings motivate us into action.
You….growing older.
Marathons and Missions – the same, but different
Courage
Courage is the great need of our time.
Courage requires consequence.
If there is no cost, no risk or consequence, then courage is easy – and empty. In fact, as consequence rises, so does the amount of courage needed to take a stand.
The wordΒ courageΒ is defined as βmental or moral strength to β¦Β persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.β
I believe it is in our very nature to admire those who stand against the odds and withstand danger – many great leaders come readily to mind. One who is currently rising on the world stage received a standing applause in the House of Commons this week.
However, simply stated, courage is meaningless without consequence.
Consequence
βCourage is the form of every virtue at the testing point. Pilate was merciful until it became risky.β CS Lewis.
Courage to accept the inescapable truth that greatness can never be achieved without adversity, a struggle that is prerequisite for growth.
Edmund Burke shared this.. “Adversity is a severe instructor, set over us by one who knows us better than we do ourselves, as He loves us better, too. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper. This conflict with difficulty makes us acquainted with our object and compels us to consider it in all its relations. It will not suffer us to be superficial.”
A measure of our success in life will be determined by our response to adversity and the courage that you have as you wrestle with the problems, that will strengthen your nerves and sharpen your skill, just as Burke said.
Indeed, courage is the power to let go of the familiar and face up to the unknown.
We are faced every day with situations that require courage and strength.
What courageous actions will you take today?