In this crazy world of choices I've only got a few...
Last week for one of my coop prep classes, we had a guest speaker - Brant Cryder who is President of Yves Saint Laurent (North America) and he had some incredible things to say.He came up with a fun acrynom for the word SERVICE, giving meaning to each letter all leading back to the core idea that service is key in any business.
The one story that really stuck with me though was one about humanity and how there were three main types of people; The Quitters, The Campers, and The Climbers. He used in the context that if everyone were to want to go camping near a mountain there would be three possible scenarios.
The quitter would not want to get out of the car, complaining that they don't "do nature", or that it is to cold or wet outside. They will stay in the car and refuse to rough it. They will want you to agree with them and stay in the car with them regardless of the fact that you both traveled far to try something new.
The Camper will be nervous but excited to try something new, to get out of the car and out of their comfort zone to be one with nature. They may be hesitant and want to please the quitter but decide its worth the try. Other Campers will come to their site and they will build a community together, having a great time. They decide not to climb the mountain they're next to because they are fine with where they are.
The Climber will pass the quitters sitting in their car, say hello to those camped out, and head straight for the mountain. They may take quite a while and face some hardships trying to make it up to that peak, but they will not stop - they have a goal in mind and are planning on achieving it.
I know many people in all three of these categories and each one has a reason for being where they are. We all start out wanting to be climbers but somehow settle for camping out where its fun and easy. A lot of times, well make our way back to the car wishing to go home. The greatest risk has the opportunity for the greatest reward.
The last piece of the story he added was that he tried to become a fourth category that was much much smaller than the other three: the name slips my mind but I will describe it as the one who climbs the mountain but once at the top, comes back down to help the climbers make it up, to share the beauty of the journey with him.
This story inspired me and as I left the lecture, I felt a point of gratitude and self worth. I personally have been able to achieve my goals so far with the help and support of some pretty incredible people. I think its important to realize that its not all about making it to the top, no matter what the cost, but to also to help thy neighbor. We are a community of dream-seekers, striving to discover ourselves everyday, battling unforeseen situations that all in the end teach us who we are and what we made of.