Eggs

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”       Dr. Suess

Most of us can recall the Dr. Seuss children’s classic, Green Eggs and Ham, which was published in 1960.  ‘Sam-I-Am’ is the name of the character who is trying to get the unnamed protagonist(whom I call the ‘Big Hat Guy’), to try green eggs and ham. The first half of the story is dedicated to Sam’s effort, and the second half to what happens after he succeeds.

This being one of my favorite all-time books, it is not surprising that I have multiple copies in my home office as well as work headquarters. I leave copies of this book in prominent places to remind myself (and others) of the significant lessons  extracted from this classic.

Depending on your training program topic, there are various options you might select to illuminate an important principle. For example, sales departments within any company can use the concept of persistence. ‘Big Hat Guy’ says “No!” to Sam 12 different times in the story. And yet, on the thirteenth effort, ‘Big Hat’ relents and gives green eggs a try.

How many of us give up on whatever we want to accomplish after the very first attempt? Some of us might make a second or third attempt. But, a fourth or fifth time? Not likely.  And certainly, a thirteenth  time is out of the question for even the most aggressive and persistent individuals. Do you agree?

Another elicitation  from this book is the concept of taking risks. This is my favorite approach in training programs and one that I use regularly to challenge myself. Taking risks is a necessary part of life. Most worthwhile ventures encounter dangers and uncertainties along the way.

A few years ago, with significant trepidation, I felt that kind of risk when I ventured out into a new career that included speaking and writing.  I love speaking, but was not prepared for writing. In the beginning, I entered this arena only because I was told it would help to promote my real passion – speaking – and I found that to be true. Along the way, I also discovered that writing is connected to speaking, giving me another opportunity in affecting lives.

It took over a year for me to be convinced  that I had something to offer through the medium of writing. As of now, I have published a second edition of my first book, launched  a weekly newsletter in 2015, and am on the eve of publishing my second book. Wow! If you had asked me five years ago about accomplishing these writing goals, I would have laughed out loud! Just as I experienced, your goals today may seem unrealistic or impossible.

How many times did I question my efforts during the early years of my new venture ? Ask my wife Carol. She knows. She has watched in the background. I am fortunate because she has often  challenged me to move forward – despite  my lack of confidence – in doing  something for which I have great passion. Do you have someone like Carol in your life? If you do, you have been given  a goldmine of opportunity. Do you have uncertainties or lack confidence in what you want to do? If the answer is ‘yes,’ you are not alone.

Some of you will point out, “Rob, give me a break. Green eggs and Ham is just a fictional story.”  True. The story is fiction but the message is real. Repeatedly  throughout my life I have witnessed the stories of individuals who have persisted even when  faced with much resistance. You know some of these people well. It is personal.

Risk and persistence. Two sides of the same coin. And . . .  that coin is you.

Resistance and risk are real. The subject could be for a product or service we sell. Perhaps, a major goal or task we are trying to accomplish.  Confrontation may come in the form of family or friends. Our opposition can be extreme and consistent. Often, we alone create the resistance and obstacle toward progress. The risk is real.

• What have you always wanted to accomplish? Is ‘next month’ or ‘next year’ common language you use to describe your intention?

• How many ‘noes’ does it take for you to give up on something you believe in? Two? Five? 13?

• How would you rank your level of persistence in what matters to you?

• Have you tried everything you want to try in life? When will you?

• What risk are you willing to take today to do something that has special importance to you?

“Try it, try it. You may like it. You will see.”

Today is the first step in . . .

 

If you have any concern about whether it is too late for you to take a risk and try something new, now might be a good time to read

It’s Never Too Late