Many of us use the acorn-to-oak-tree analogy to point out that it is not where you start but where you go that counts.
For the oak tree to grow from the acorn, the acorn needs rich soil in which to germinate, regular amounts of nourishing, refreshing water, as well as the warmth of the sun and perhaps gentle breezes from time to time.
Man also has certain needs which must be met in order to grow. Consider two giants in the world of athletics. Shaquille O’Neal, who is seven feet, one inch tall and weighs 303 pounds, and David Robinson, who is seven feet, two inches tall and weighs 235 pounds. Shaquille O’Neal entered this world weighing seven pounds, eleven ounces, slightly more than the average, seven pounds, eight ounces. David Robinson, however, came in slightly smaller than average at seven pounds, six ounces. Both of these giants required lots of love, plenty of food, water and the proper vitamins and minerals to achieve their current stature.
In order for them to become the giants they have become on the hardwood, however, more was needed than just being big, because many giants in size do not make it big in athletics. These two men were blessed with a certain amount of athleticism, but think of the hundreds of hours of practice and endless hours of coaching that have gone into their development.
Being a giant, in most cases, has nothing to do with your size. As my friend Mary Crowley loved to say, “It doesn’t take much of a man or woman to be a giant, but it does take all of him or her.”
When you take the seed which was planted in you, nourish it, develop a plan of action, and learn to work within the organization or community of which you’re a part, you, too, can become a giant. So, give it your best shot… and I’ll see you at the top!
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Zig Ziglar was a motivational speaker and author. His work continues to inspire people all over the world to pursue success and go for their dreams. Learn more about him at www.ziglar.com
-What do you think about the ideas above? Have you ever seen examples like the ones mentioned above play out?