IF and WHEN were friends. Every week they met and had lunch. Their conversation usually centered on all the things they were going to achieve. They both had many dreams and they loved to talk about them.
This particular Saturday when they met, WHEN sensed that IF was not in a great mood. As usual they sat at the table reserved for them and ordered their lunch. Once they placed their order, WHEN questioned IF. "IF what is wrong with you? You don't seem your usual cheery self?"
IF looked at WHEN and replied, "I'm not sure, I just don't feel like I am making any progress. This last week I saw a course I wanted to take if only I had the time to take it."
WHEN knew exactly how IF felt. "Yeah," replied WHEN, "I too saw a course and I am going to register when I get enough money together." WHEN then said, "well what about that new job you were going to apply for. You were so excited about it last week, did you apply?"
IF responded, "If my computer didn't break down last week, I would have applied. But, my computer is not working, so I could not type my resume."
"Don't worry about it IF, when you are ready another job will come through. I have been thinking about looking for another job also, but I will wait and when the weather gets nicer I will look then." WHEN then went on to tell IF about his week, hoping that it would cheer him up a bit.
The man at the next table couldn't help overhear WHEN and IF. They both were talking about when this and if that, finally he couldn't take it anymore. "Excuse me gentlemen," the man said. IF and WHEN both looked at the man and wondered what he wanted. The man continued, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help hearing your conversation. I think I know how you could solve your problems."
IF smiled and thought, how could a complete stranger know how to solve all of their problems. If only he knew. When he realized the challenges they faced there was no way he could solve their problems! Curious, IF asked the gentleman, "How do you think you can solve our problems?"
The gentleman smiled and said, "You only need listen to yourselves. It reminds me of an old proverb:
'If and When were planted, and Nothing grew'."
IF and WHEN looked puzzled. The gentleman smiled and said, "Start counting how many times you use the words 'if' and 'when'. Rather than thinking 'if and when', start doing, take action, stop talking about 'if and when'."
IF and WHEN both looked surprised, and suddenly realized that what the gentleman had said was so true. Both of them were guilty of thinking, acting and living their life for the "ifs and whens". The gentleman left and IF and WHEN's conversation changed. They made a pact that when they met for lunch next week, there would be no "ifs and whens"; they would only talk about what they accomplished!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Catherine Pulsifer is one of the editors of Words of Wisdom 4 U, http://www.wow4u.com. You will find a collection of motivational thoughts, stories, quotes, poems, smiles, proverbs, and more at Words of Wisdom 4 U!
car service from Midway Burlington .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareEvery single one of us is trying to reach success.... Read More
This summer (2005) huge crowds in England and Australia have... Read More
"If you think you can or you think you can't... Read More
In the book, The SHOCKwealth System?, it is discussed that... Read More
By popular request, I thought I would put together this... Read More
There is a saying that goes something like this: Getting... Read More
When most of us are asked the most important possession... Read More
Let's set the scene. You're in a packed stadium. It's... Read More
I want to focus our thoughts on each of these... Read More
Your Head, think about what you want and move towards... Read More
"I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the... Read More
With the long-term trend of protecting employees' individual self esteem... Read More
Most of my clients had a vision of the contribution... Read More
If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Everyone needs... Read More
Get professional help There's no rule that says you have... Read More
Following are a series of questions I needed to ask... Read More
J. Paul Getty appeared to be incredibly lucky, but it... Read More
Oprah and Harpo Productions, consistently reap awe-inspiring progress and record-breaking... Read More
Are you consistently chasing success? Once you achieve it, do... Read More
Decide which game to play. Is winning that... Read More
As a speaker and trainer, people often approach me after... Read More
How can anyone with the brain of a cockroach make... Read More
They say that if you really want to stretch yourself... Read More
Freedom is the deeper meaning, the foundation behind all of... Read More
The most under rated method to achieve success is: The... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
Trust is a cornerstone of human existence. It is interesting... Read More
The starting point of all great success and achievement is... Read More
Think back to a time in your life when you... Read More
Success is not something that only a chosen few can... Read More
Why is true success so rare?Why does research show that... Read More
Many of the problems we have with discipline are caused... Read More
What is "success"? Why does it seem everyone wants "success"?... Read More
Response means "to answer" and that idea, in its purest... Read More
Let's get right to the point, folks.We're all looking to... Read More
Coaching is about living great lives. It's about living lives... Read More
There is a disquieting trend emerging among women particularly -... Read More
Congratulations! You are the president of your own nation, and... Read More
"A man's life is what his thoughts make of it."-... Read More
Are you successful? What does that word mean to you?... Read More
1. Any work activity, unless initiated at the earliest will... Read More
I have often been asked the question, "What is true... Read More
Hello,You are reading this article because you are one of... Read More
Material or physical success is often measured by the level... Read More
You must play by the rules. Everything has rules. You... Read More
Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds, was over fifty when... Read More
Lets face it, no one enjoys rejection. But the reality... Read More
People have a tremendous capacity for outstanding achievement. There are... Read More
I spoke recently with the owner of a large clothing... Read More
How do you land your dream job, win... Read More
Success |