I used to carry a big folder with a picture of Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “If I had nine hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first six sharpening my ax.” Now, it hangs on my wall.
For many of us, we focus our energy on crossing the finish line, which oftentimes leads us to overlook the necessary steps to endure the long journey. So along the way, some of us “crash and burn.” Each new day provides opportunities for us to refine our knowledge to deal with life’s challenges. It is up to us to seek those teachable moments, that point in time when we see things in a new light and our hearts are changed in an instant. If we allow for such missed opportunities, we’d simply be hacking away in a meaningless world wondering where our life has gone. So, whether our skills be related to work (doing spreadsheets or designing a rocket) or relationships (being patient, kind, or generous), every act of perseverance will prepare us for greatness. When we spend time to develop the proper tool (i.e. when we choose not to give up in improving ourselves), we create a world of unimaginably happy people with extraordinary talents.
Composer Edvard Fliflet Bræin’s goal was certainly not to have his music called incomprehensible. Devoting most of his time to developing his own flair, listeners often felt confused between his dichotomous portrayal of tragedy and comedy infused into each other. Nevertheless, he persisted in his mission to create his own sound and eventually became a notable Norwegian composer of his day. His most remembered piece, Ut mot havet, or Out Towards the Sea, is a simple melody, yet so glorious so as to be considered as Norway’s second national anthem.
As you navigate your way to achieving your goal, I hope that you seek wisdom with all your might, for it will ultimately be the sharpened tool to chop down that tree.
