Little things can have huge impacts on the bigger things.
This is beautifully illustrated in a story originally told by American Pastor, Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick. It goes something like this…
On the slopes of Long’s Peak in Colorado lies the ruin of a gigantic tree. Scientists confirm that it stood for some four hundred years.
It was a seedling when Columbus landed at San Salvador, and was only half-grown when the Pilgrims settled at Plymouth.
During the course of its long life, it was struck by lightning numerous times and battered by avalanches and violent storms. Yet still, the tree stood firm.
In the end, however, it was an army of tiny beetles that attacked the tree and leveled it to the ground.
The insects ate their way through the bark and gradually destroyed the inner strength of the tree.
A forest giant which age had not withered, nor lightning blasted, nor storms subdued, succumbed to beetles so small that you could crush them between your fingers.
Here’s the thing – most of us can survive times of crisis in our personal and professional lives. We have the ability to summons reserves of strengths and resolve to fight any battle or overcome almost any obstacle.
However, despite our strength just like the giant tree we too can be undone by the small things in life.
It is the “small things” like jealousy, anger, resentment, pettiness, and negativity that eat us from the inside, which have the power to bring about our downfall.
The good news is that you have an advantage that the giant tree did not – you can identify those moral “beetles” and fight against them. Do this by fostering great relationships with the people around you. Encourage positive emotions, effective communication, and other soft skills that many people take for granted or often disregard.
Can you do this? I think you can. Do you?
To your success…
Your opportunity to chat…
I’m passionate about inspiring people to tap into their unique talents and strengths – to be the best they can be – to fulfill the potential they always knew they had. It’s not about ‘fixing’ you. Rather, it’s about helping you access the best part of yourself so you’re able to make the changes, release the dragons and powerfully step into your brilliance.
If you are interested in performance coaching, try my free 20-minute introductory session. Just contact me and I’ll arrange a time and date for us to chat by phone or face-to-face.
Get in touch TODAY by email or call my office on +44 (0)20 8798 3433.
Mark Russell Inspired Performance Coaching – Dedicated to Your Success.
