I can’t remember where I read this but let me share with you the story of two tribes.
There were two tribes that lived in the Andes Mountains. One was the Lowlander tribe who lived in the foothills and the other the Highlander tribe who lived way up the mountains.
One day the Highlanders came down and plundered the dwellings of the Lowlanders. They also kidnapped a Lowlander baby and took it back with them.
The Lowlanders set up a rescue team to get the baby back. This consisted of the strongest and bravest men in the tribe. They were determined to climb up the mountains and bring the baby back.
But the mountain was steep and rocky and they were not used to climbing.
After weeks of making hardly any progress, they were tired and worn out
Then one of the men said, “Do you think it’s worth risking our lives to bring back one child? We have lots of other children in our village. We don’t need to climb this mountain.”
The others quietely agreed and they packed their bags and made their way home.
Did those men really want to rescue the baby? Of course, they did? But did they believe enough in the cause? Did they want give up too easily? Did they settle for ‘other children’? Were they prepared to push the limit? Did they have the courage to go beyond their comfort zone? No.
In this case, there was a child involved so it makes their choice seem cruel. But what of us? How often do we give up on our goals?
We set ourselves high goals. But then they seem as high as that mountain. And like the Lowlanders, we are not prepared to learn to climb. How often are we afraid of growing into our goals? The only way we can achieve high goals, is to reach higher, to become more than we are at present. Sometimes, I think we’re afraid of success and growth. We resort to self-sabotage. I know I do.
Self leadership calls for becoming the person your highest goals call you to be.
Action steps:
- Identify the most important goal you have.
- Instead of listing out all you have to ‘do’, list out all have to ‘become’ in order to accomplish this goal. For example, you have to become more aware of yourself or become more flexible.
[Tweet “What is important as what you become by achieving your goals. #atozchallenge”]
Today I’m on ‘G’ of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. My theme is the A to Z of Self Leadership. I’m also undertaking the NaBloPoMo for April – the theme is ‘grow’ and the Ultimate Blog Challenge.
Corinne, hard hitting because it is so true. Have sent this to my entire team in Sterling Holiday Resorts
Lata Subramanian ( recently posted..Yes Minister? What’s your beef?
Thanks, Lata. Now perhaps I can get a free holiday, huh? 😉 Just kidding!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Flexibility – A to Z of Self Leadership
I love the simple way you deliver hard truths!
Thanks, Sunita!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Flexibility – A to Z of Self Leadership
it’s said that only 5% people in this world have the courage to go all the way to achieve their goals. Hope, we are part of that 5%. (I know, just hoping against hope won’t lead you anywhere.) Rest, dream big but, quit half way when the road gets rocky.
That’s a very small percentage, Jini! I hope we will be counted in it!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Flexibility – A to Z of Self Leadership
Such an interesting approach to a “to do” list, Corinne! Given me food for thought this a.m.
Carol Cassara recently posted..The battle for sobriety
Glad you found it so, Carol!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Flexibility – A to Z of Self Leadership
I’m one who look s at that mountain and thinks, “No! It’s TOO High!”
But I strive to be the one who Climbs it regardless!!!
xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..1770 Days Since My Sister’s Murder
Fantastic, Kim! You inspire me!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Flexibility – A to Z of Self Leadership
I’m the one who climbs the mountain and even when it falls on her head, tries to keep climbing.
I don’t know my goals any more. Not sure I have any.
Be okay again. That’s a goal.
Considerer recently posted..Calling it Quits
Interesting story example . . . I have seen some with a similar theme, and in many the mothers step up to the challenge because that’s just the way mothers are . . . Hugs and best wishes for achieving our truest goals. (Happy to report the frogs are singing outside . . . Spring!!)
Goals drive us and define us. I think if we don’t have something to achieve or do then we are just existing and not living. It could be a simple thing but it must matter to us. Lovely series for the ATOZ, it can become a great self help book!
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted..Hazara, Harshita & Harsh #AtoZChallenge
“Self leadership calls for becoming the person your highest goals call you to be”. Love those words… Reminds me of a beautiful quote” No matter what. Aim for the moon, then you are sure you will end up among the stars. ” we should not be scared to try and just go for it … but I know I am too.. Lovely write up Corinne
Eli recently posted..H for Helping
My goal right now, Corinne, is to complete Adventures in The Glade by the end of this month. I thank God for His steadfastness and inspiration as I travel this journey. Prayers much appreciated, dear friend!
Love and blessings!
Martha Orlando recently posted..Treasure!
“Instead of listing out all you have to ‘do’, list out all have to ‘become’ in order to accomplish this goal.”
Brilliant! That really speaks to me – thank you for the insight.
Laurel Regan recently posted..NaPoWriMo + Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2015 – H is for…
That’s a fabulous quote. I am in the process of reviewing everything I want to do – and “become”. Easy to set goals. Not so easy always to follow through!
Love, Vidya
Vidya Sury recently posted..Initiate
Loved the quote by Thoreau. I have always set extremely ambitious goals and set myself up for failure. Now, I focus on smaller relatively short term goals and this seems to work well for me. Every time I accomplish my goal, I set the next one just a little higher so that it stretches me, but not so high that it becomes unattainable.
Shantala recently posted..What Inspires You? #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
Strengthening my family is my main focus. I need to become more aware of my own needs in order to take care of everyone else. Thanks for this important reminder to “become” when setting goals.
Kerry recently posted..40 Questions for Dinner Conversation
Corinne, I have already commented on this post but just wanted to say here that truer words were never spoken. We tend to give up all the time instead of taking a deep breath and taking one more step towards the summit
Lata recently posted..Memories of a princess
I am a visual learner. By starting off with that story of the tribes I really visually saw how I can be like that to myself. Thank you for sharing.
-Krysta Belliston
A fantastic story to drive home the point! Thanks for sharing, Corinne! 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted..J is for Jealousy #AtoZChallenge @AprilA2Z
I have to be a lot of things to achieve my goals!! But mostly, I have to be disciplined and flexible – very important!
Fab recently posted..I is for ‘Interdependence’
Great advice. I love how all of your post come together to form a larger picture as well. We need courage and flexibility and awareness to achieve our goals. Hopefully, I can reach my highest goals soon!
Lanise Brown recently posted..L is for LiYuan
I liked the quote corinne ! its so true and yes many a times we give up easily, thanks for motivating, appreciate you for sharing this post..
G Angela recently posted..N – For National Park