A Little Push

People are like sticks of dynamite; the power is on the inside; but nothing happens until the fuse gets lit.
- Mac Anderson

It’s human nature to take the path of least resistance. The path of least resistance is commonly referred to as a “shortcut.” A shortcut is a path between two points that deviates from an intended path. Picture two buildings that connect via a sidewalk; often times, you’ll find a path worn in the grass between the two buildings, resulting in a shortcut. In some cases, the path of least resistance can be both the smartest and easiest thing to do; exerting as little effort as possible to achieve a desired result make sense. However, the path of least resistance becomes a detriment when in the long run it produces negative results. Think about human potential; if the path of least resistance results in little or no action, the path becomes a detriment. One can never reach their full potential, if they’re content to remain idle or exert very little effort. If asked, most people would tell you that they really want to reach their full potential. The problem for most is they lack the initiative to get started and the discipline to keep moving forward. Sometimes all we need is a little push. A little support and reassurance can go along way.

Nature teaches us an important lesson about the benefits of a little push. A mother eagle builds a comfortable nest for her eaglets. When she determines that her eaglets are ready to fly, she purposely makes the nest uncomfortable. An uncomfortable nest is the precursor to flying. After all, if the nest was too comfortable, there would be no motivation to leave. When it's time to fly, the mother eagle will nudge her eaglets to the edge of the nest. If they cling to the edge of the nest, the mother eagle will push them out of the nest. Mother eagle knows that her eaglets must experience falling in order to experience the thrill of soaring through the sky. On their inaugural flights, the eaglets’ flap their wings in desperation and continue falling towards the ground. The Mother eagle will swoop down, catch the falling eaglet and return the eaglet safely to the nest. This process continues until the eaglet masters the art of flying. It’s only when an eaglet learns to fly that the eaglet can appreciate the privilege of “soaring like an eagle.”

Make it a point to help others reach their full potential. Just as the mother eagle gives her eaglets a little push, push others so that they can reach their true potential. Just as the mother eagle is there to catch the eaglet when its falling, make it a point to be there for others when their failing. When you provide another person with a little nudge and reassurance; you’re not only helping them learn to fly, but your helping them to soar like an eagle!

It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD