Struggle your way to success
By Jean Ricot Dormeus
I have always enjoyed the story of the boy who meant to help a butterfly come out of its cocoon without the painful struggle it was going through. With scissors he snipped the cocoon to a larger hole allowing the butterfly to emerge quickly. To the boy’s disappointment, the butterfly could not fly as it displayed a swollen body and shriveled wings. He learned later that the struggle of the butterfly to come out of the cocoon channels the body fluid into the wings to strengthen them. There is no flying without struggle.
Our bent to shun pain often leads us to cut short our struggle by giving up or blaming others. Doing so interferes with the process of developing wisdom, experience and success. Because greatness matures in the crucible of our struggles, many people settle for average results and a life in their comfort zone. However, enduring the pain of our struggle and reaching out higher bring in the long run endless benefits to ourselves, our loved ones and humanity.
We cannot know what will happen in 10 or 20 years. However, we can set our vision, develop requisite skills and persistently go through our ups and downs. Businesspeople often learn as they go, adjust and work under pressure. Overnight success takes many years of preparation and failure.
Abraham Lincoln exemplifies the value of struggle. He was defeated again and again until he became President of the US in 1860. He faced the civil war with no guarantee of winning. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation amid much controversy. All this struggle made him a legendary US President. He who much struggles is equipped to soar to high places.
Currently struggling? Perhaps you are growing wings that will fly you to success.
Jean Ricot Dormeus
If this blog post resonates with you, share it with your network.
Check out my book “Land of Dormant Dreams – A Walk into the Future” for more tips on developing self and nation.