Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve condition.
I missed Session four of Dale Carnegie Course last Thursday. Usually every time when we end, we will tell a uplifting story to the class memeber. Just now, I received the email from our Head of Coach Saria, she shared the inspiration closing for that session. I felt it’s a very profound story, so I’d like to share the story with you. All credit goes to Sarika! 
In ancient times, a king had a rock placed on a roadway.
Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.
Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way.
Then a man came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the rock, the man laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.
As the man picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a sack lying in the road where the stone had been. The sack contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the stone from the roadway.
The man learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one’s condition.
What I’ve learned from this story:
1. When situation happens, there are two kinds of people: one kind choose to complain, the other kind choose to solve the problem. Be the one solving the problem, not the one complaining.
2. Life is about choice. Whatever you are doing, someone is watching you in some cornor. People do judge you by the choice you are making, especially those choices behind people. So make your good choice!
3. Lots of times, opportunities are seems like a obstacle for you in life. Try to see life as a journey, every instance is a new opportunity to make you learn something new. Don’t be afraid of changes. We learn as we go.
4. We all have this stone in our way. Lets gather courage to pick up stone and find treasure hidden beneath it! Once you set your goal, stick to it. Keep on trying, keep on trying, you will remove your stone in your way!
This story and your analysis made me think… Was it wrong for people to walk around the rock? Complaining aside, there is also the notion of going with the flow and if there is a rock in your way and you can go around it, just do so and keep going. Is there a social responsibility to move the rock if it affects you or might affect someone else?
Thanks for the pose!
Thanks Jim for your comment. There is really nothing wrong or right, it is about choice and what do you want to create for your life!