To: The Great leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
John Maxwell in his book, Be All That You Can Be, tells a simple story that demonstrates the impact ownership has on our perception.
“I remember that when I was a little kid, my grandfather often walked me around his farm. As he walked and looked, he would find uniqueness and beauty in things I wouldn’t have looked at twice. He would see great potential in a fun-down shack on a back lot; I would see kindling. He would show me a rusty, old tractor and see a machine with possibilities; I would see a piece of rust-covered junk. Why? How could we look at different objects and see different things? He owned them and I didn’t.”
This wonderful story teaches the power of ownership, be it the ownership of an idea or a material object. Ownership influences and changes our view of our world. It brings with it a sense of commitment, or “pride” and “investment” as Maxwell writes. Ownership opens our eyes to potential and possibilities that others may not see. It may also reveal frailties and opportunities or points for new possibilities.
If you want to change the world, take ownership of whatever it is that will enable you to do it. Once you do that, your eyes will be opened to its infinite possibilities. If you want to succeed in something, as the expression goes, you need to make it your own. Then when you do, turn it upside-down and inside-out. Find and see what no one else see. Be a Michelangelo; find your David in the stone. And have fun doing it.
Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!
Mike