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!
personalized cleaning services Des Plaines ..One of the greatest compliments I ever received in my... Read More
Too many times in the pursuit of our dreams, we... Read More
As I have worked with people over the years I... Read More
You talked but didn't get a response. You talked but... Read More
If you are like me you have probably lost a... Read More
He was pencil thin and walked with a limp. A... Read More
Most of my clients had a vision of the contribution... Read More
One of the greatest challenges people face when trying to... Read More
I always say to my children, as long as you... Read More
With the end of the year fast approaching, now is... Read More
Get ready to sail the Seven C's - the Seven... Read More
Have you been struggling for years to accomplish some goals... Read More
You may not realise it yet but you may have... Read More
One of the most common refrains I hear from people... Read More
An unexamined life is not worth living ? SocratesAll too... Read More
1. Clearly define what you want and what is most... Read More
You're considering a new career, new place to live or... Read More
Jim Rohn wrote in his book The Five Major Pieces... Read More
Let me say this to get it out of the... Read More
In this brief article we will explore four methods that... Read More
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be... Read More
People often ask me, "Josh, if you had one bit... Read More
When I decided to have my web site built, I... Read More
Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone recently opened an academy... Read More
As a work-life and career coach, I regularly work with... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Arlington Heights ..Don't talk to me about how to succeed! I've read... Read More
A young girl opens a birthday card from her grand... Read More
Did you know that your past, present, and future can... Read More
Coaching is about living great lives. It's about living lives... Read More
My studies of the highly successful prove that they continually... Read More
What do you need to do to be successful? If... Read More
I'll let you in on a little secret...life delivers pretty... Read More
"Well, you're just a busy beaver, aren't you?" You've either... Read More
If you help yourself, God and humans will help you... Read More
Thoughts move faster than the speed of light.Expectations jump faster... Read More
Success is creating what you want the way you want... Read More
1. Clearly define what you want and what is most... Read More
One of the most overlooked opportunities for learning and personal... Read More
Human beings are visual creatures. Our imaginations are powerful tools... Read More
To have a high probability of becoming prosperous, you have... Read More
What makes you unique? Answering this question will provide the... Read More
It sounds simple- right? You are where you THINK you... Read More
If you are not experiencing perfect, harmonious, pressure-free life experiences... Read More
Looking for a way to make this year your best... Read More
Success, in the dictionary, is defined as, "The achievement of... Read More
Do not make the mistake of looking at your failures... Read More
I've been thinking a lot about what I believe to... Read More
"Fighting to pay the bills is hardly worth it? fight... Read More
To take the online road to success is not, contrary... Read More
The Great Library of Alexandria once held the wisdom of... Read More
Success |