Once upon a time…
Rodd and Todd joined a printing company together just after graduation. They were both action-oriented self-starters, with a strong drive for success and the strength to persevere through the highs and lows of the sales cycle.
After a couple of years, the boss promoted Todd to Sales Executive, and Rodd remained a Sales Rep. Within weeks Rodd became increasingly agitated. He found himself clock-watching and obsessing over the time in a bid to be done with work as soon as possible. With resentment bubbling under the surface, he impulsively decided to tender his resignation. Upon meeting with the boss, Rodd complained that he felt undervalued. He couldn’t understand why Todd was promoted and he was passed over when he was just as hard working.
The boss was a wise man. He said “Before I accept your resignation, I have a task for you to complete. There is a farmer’s market across the street. I want you to go there and see if anyone is selling watermelons.”
Rodd thought this was an odd request, but it was a nice day and resigning was emotionally taxing, so off he went. Shortly he returned to confirm there was indeed a watermelon vendor at the market. The boss asked how much the watermelons were. Rodd went back to the market and returned to inform the boss they were selling for $4.50 per kg.
The boss thanked Rodd and called Todd into the meeting room to set him the same task. When Todd returned, he said “There is one person selling watermelons. They are $4.50 per kg, $40 for 10 kg. He has a total inventory of 268 melons. There are 44 melons on the table and each melon weighs about 10kg. He brought them in from out West two days ago, so they are fresh and really good quality.”
Impressed, Rodd suddenly realised the difference between he and Todd. He decided to withdraw his resignation and, instead request a mentorship under Todd so he could learn from him.
“Those at too great a distance may mistake ignorance for perspective.”
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Moral of the Story:
Details are important, be observant. When we limit our exposure to information, or when information itself is scarce, our picture of reality suffers. We become oblivious to both opportunities and hazards. Information is liberating. Knowledge is power and sharing knowledge is the key to unlocking that power. Choose to be observant and inquisitive so you can make informed choices. Don’t be afraid to ask. Be open to learning new things. To be reachable, simply be teachable. When you remain flexible and teachable, you can make the necessary adjustments in life. Be willing to be a beginner every single morning. Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to envy or criticise others.
“Happiness is always on the other side of being teachable.”
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Affirmation: I look beyond what is being presented to me.
I am open to learning from the experiences of others. Curiosity motivates me to explore new markets and it encourages me to find solutions. I investigate and observe society and the environment so I can create added value. I nurture my curious mind by asking questions and exploring the unfamiliar. I strengthen my resolve to be a life-long learner with abundant curiosity. My curiosity ignites my creativity, builds my self-confidence, and inspires me to be courageous. The lens of curiosity reveals the possibilities and excitement of new worlds. I leave my bubble to explore new frontiers. I have an insatiable hunger for knowledge, answers and solutions. I accept that I always have more to learn. I am an explorer.
“What I believe is that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: Curious and teachable.”
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