Bob Proctor recently quoted this old fable, but many versions exist dating back over many decades, perhaps centuries.
One day the devil was having a sale, hawking the many diabolical tools
of the trade. On display, with their price tags attached, were all the
devil's tools and weapons: The arrows of jealousy, the hammer of anger,
the dagger of worry, the slingshot of doubt, the axe of hatred and
numerous others.
But one tool stood out above them all. Displayed prominently on a
pedestal high above the rest of his wares was showcased, "The Wedge of
Discouragement."
Intrigued by this little tool, which was dented and worn with use, a
curious shopper inquired about the price, because the wedge cost more
than all the other tools combined.
"Ah yes," said the devil, "THAT is my favorite tool of all. You see,
it's so easy to use. It hardly takes any effort. All I have to do is get
the very tip of the wedge into my victim and the rest is easy. Once the
wedge is in, I just tap it ever so slightly and it slides in deeper and
deeper.
"Sometimes I don't have to do anything - my victims drive the wedge in
deeper all by themselves! A small opening soon becomes a gaping crack,
making room for the rest of my tools. Before you know it, my wedge has
completely split a person's dreams, hopes and aspirations in two."
"That's why the wedge of discouragement commands such a high price -
because it's my most effective tool. It has opened more doors for me
than all my other tools combined."
He prized discouragement because of its
enfeebling, demoralizing effect. Anger, worry, doubt ot hatred may lead an immature
person to act unwisely, to fight, or to run. But at least they act.
Discouragement on the other hand, hurts the person more than any of these. It
causes the person to sit down, pity himself or herself and do nothing.
Now this doesn't have to happen, but
unfortunately it all too frequently does. Not until we realize that
discouragement is often a form of self pity, do we begin to take stock of
ourselves and our predicament and decide to act ... to do something that will
take us out of the unpleasant situation.
Most of us have experienced discouragement at some time in our lives, some more than others. But it can be defeated, often with the help of a loving partner, a supportive coach or mentor, or through reading about the challenges that others have overcome. As well as the love and support of others, and coming to love ourselves, we need to continuously develop the muscle of determination and the fuel of our vision, our great purpose and our reason to keeping on keeping on. That way setbacks or criticisms are no more than temporary events, and in overcoming them we grow stronger, not weaker.
Chris Howard used to say "When tou meet an obstacle, get Excited! It means that you are getting closer to your goal. No goal, no obstacles, so get excited and overcome it!
To Success in all your ventures!
David
