What I am reflecting?
Now I’m in control of my action
As you know, I love to learn through stories. This is because a story is a great way to convey a message. It creates interesting pictures in people’s minds and brings up emotions that make the message more lasting.
This is how humans have been learning and passing knowledge from generation to generation throughout history.
Back to the story that I want to tell you.
Here is a story of a man who lived in a rural area near the forest. He just threw a palm seed on the ground. Without putting any hope on it, he saw the seed lying on the ground and simply let the palm tree grow. After 3 years, the palm tree grew.
At this point of the story, you might think I’m going to say that we need to plant the right seed. Yes, that’s right.
However, the story continues. At the same time, there was another man who lived in a rural area near the forest—quite similar to the first person. He too threw a palm seed on the ground.
However, he was different. He took good care of the palm seed. Every day, he would pull out the weeds from around the seed. He would pour the right amount of water. Then, when the tree grew, he would put on the proper support for it. After 3 years, that palm tree grew too.
As you would expect, the first palm tree grew but not as well as the second palm tree. Right?
That’s right. The second man got a better outcome because he put in the extra effort to ensure the palm seed was nurtured properly.
The reason I’m telling you this story is that sometimes you might attribute your outcome to luck. Yes, luck might give you a result. However, if you put in the right effort—building the right habits, eating the right food, involving yourself in the right activities—all of that will enrich you and help you grow even better.
In addition, you will feel more in control. Imagine this: wouldn’t it be nice to grow in a great environment where you can also enjoy the process of growing?
This also serves as a good reminder for me this week, as I think about my daily habits and learning.
One day, I’m going to become better by growing in an environment that I’ve intentionally shaped.
What seed are you growing?
What extra care does it require?
You reap what you sow.
Quote I’m pondering
“Do not seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.” – Epictetus
Affirmation I used
I am happily committed to life-long learning and self-improvement.