Warm Worms
You may have heard the old story about the world's most dedicated
fisherman. He had out-fished his companion all morning long. They
used the same live bait, the same equipment and fished together in
the same mountain stream. But he had almost caught his limit of fish
while his friend had yet to catch even one.
"What's your secret?" asked the friend. "I haven't even gotten a
bite!"
The angler mumbled an unintelligible answer, causing his companion
to ask again.
The successful fisherman emptied the contents of his mouth into a
cupped hand and replied: "I said, 'You have to keep your worms warm.'"
Talk about dedication. But did you know there are at least three
types of fresh water fishermen (or fisherwomen, if that fits
better)?
First, there are those who fish for sport. They like to "catch and
release," quickly throwing their catch back into the water. For
these anglers, it's all about recreation.
Then there are those who fish because they like the taste of fish.
They are selective. They only keep the fish they will someday eat.
Finally, there are those who fish because they are hungry. If they
don't catch, they don't eat. It is important for this group to
succeed, and they are fully dedicated to what they do.
Whether or not we fish or even eat fish, there is a lesson to be
learned here. We are most likely to succeed when we approach a task
fully dedicated. Especially if the task before us is difficult or
there seems little likelihood of success. Whether we want to patch a
relationship, build a new business, write that first novel, kick a
drug habit, or go back to school, we should see how willing we are
to do what it takes - even if it means keeping the worms warm.
There are two important questions I ask myself to see just how
dedicated I am. Question number one: "How much do I want this?" When
some people fish, if they don't catch, they don't eat. Some things
are too important for me to risk failure. So how much do I want to
succeed at this relationship, this career or this dream?
The other question I ask is similar: "How hard am I willing to
work?" If 'success' only comes before 'work' in the dictionary, I
may have to work harder than I've ever worked before. But if I want
it enough, the hard work will be worth it.
"Always bear in mind," said Abraham Lincoln, "that your own
resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
And that is where it always begins: with a whole-hearted resolution
to succeed - in a task, in a calling, in a life.
How much do I want this? And, how hard am I willing to work? Start
there, and great things can happen.
~ Steve Goodier ~
[ by: Steve Goodier - Copyright © 2011 - from Steve Goodier (LifeSupport@yahoogroups.com) ]
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