There were three stone cutters working on the side of a road. One day a wise passerby decided to ask them what they are doing and get their perspective on life. He approached the first stone cutter. My friend can you tell me what you are doing? Are you blind or something? Don’t you see that I’m cutting the goddamn stone!!
Then he approached the second stone cutter and asked the same question Oh, I’m cutting these stones. Look at these stones, aren’t they the most perfectly cut stones you have seen? You see, I intend to become the best stone cutter in town!!
Then he approached the third stone cutter and asked the same question, Oh I’m glad you asked. You see, I’m making a castle. I visualize every stone I cut to be part of this beautiful castle. Pleased with the answer, he went back and shared with his students what he thought of his experience with the stone cutters.
So, students.. the first stone cutter will remain a stone cutter throughout his life. Neither he has any vision nor he takes any pride in his work!!
The second stone cutter is a professional. He will be the most sought-after stone cutter in town. I won’t be surprised in couple of years he has his own stone-cutting company. He will be living a decent life. Now my students, let me draw your attention to the third stone cutter.
Now, he is the guy who will rule. He’s the visionary, a dreamer. I see passion in his eyes. I will not be bit surprised if one day he owns the castle he is making!!
So did the story go…. This story has been told over the generations to emphasize the power of vision and belief of one’s dreams!!! but they left out a crucial part of the story which would be spoilt the ending of this ‘feel good’ story.
Let me go ahead and tell you rest of the story…..
After several years, the teacher decided to check on his prediction. So he went to the town again and see the status of those three stone cutters first hand. He met the first stone cutter as he had predicted, the stone cutter was still cutting the stone,pleased with this validation, he went to find the second stone-cutter. Sure enough, he found the second stone cutter too doing well for himself. He had a well established business and had 50 stone cutters working for him.
The stone cutter recognized the teacher and welcomed him to his house for a sumptuous meal. During the meal the teacher decided to ask him about the third stone cutter, fully expecting to be right about the fate of him also.. By the way, there was a third stone cutter working alongside you, Whatever happened to him? Oh, nice chap!! He dabbled with couple of different businesses… none of which worked well for him. I personally helped him few times as he was not doing well financially. Last time I heard from him he had started teaching “motivational” course to aspiring entrepreneurs. He seems to be doing OK finally. Frankly, I never thought he cared much about cutting the stone well!!
Teacher decided not to meet the third stone cutter. He went back somewhat satisfied that he was right about two of his three predictions…. But the question kept on nagging him “What was the flaw in his prediction about the third stone cutter?”
…… Let’s explore this notion a bit further!! The answer lies in the last sentence of the second stone cutter: “Frankly, I never thought he cared much about cutting the stone well!!” Go ahead.. think big, have dream but …but remember one thing: in itself it means nothing… let me repeat…. NOTHING!!
It’s OK to have big dream… just don’t let yourself find comfort in that world. Every once in a while… you gotta get up and do the work…. Or else… Fall in INEVITABLE
Focus on doing your current job well… really well… and strive to improve day after day….. this should take care of how well you end up doing in life!! Whatever you do… focus on making it better… and better… and better… If you are a mouse maker: Roller Mouse Sensor guided Mouse Wireless Mouse Touch Pad And who knows what else!! By all means… dream of becoming ‘Mouse King’ of the country but start with building the best ‘goddamn mouse’ you can make NOW!! Everyday in every way, strive to improve your product and create an amazing customer experience.
Be the guy who comes up with the new stuff all the time!!
Source:www.smartbiznotes.com
No comments:
Post a Comment