May 22, 2023

“Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be” – John Wooden

Failure is a huge part of success. I'm going to let that sink in for a second. To be successful, we first must fail. Most of us have heard about this in some way, shape, or form, but the second part of Wooden's quote jumps out to me. Once we face that failure, if we don't learn from it and adjust, that is where failure can turn fatal. There is a parable I heard that can shine some light on this. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful pond nestled in the heart of a dense forest. The pond was serene and filled with clear, sparkling water. Many animals relied on the pond for drinking and bathing, and it was a vital part of the ecosystem. Over time, however, the pond began to experience a problem. It lacked a proper outlet, causing the water to become stagnant. Algae started to cover the surface, and an unpleasant odor emanated from the pond. One day, a wise old owl perched on a nearby tree noticed the deteriorating condition of the pond. Concerned for the well-being of the animals and the pond itself, the owl called for a meeting with the inhabitants of the forest. Animals of all kinds gathered to discuss the issue. The owl addressed them, saying, "If we continue to ignore the problem, the pond will wither away, and all of us will suffer." Realizing the significance of the owl's words, the animals agreed to take action. They worked together to dig a channel that would allow the stagnant water to flow out of the pond and be replaced by fresh water from a nearby stream. As the water started to circulate again, the algae disappeared, and the pond regained its pristine beauty. The animals rejoiced as life thrived in and around the rejuvenated pond. The parable of the stagnant pond reminds us that failure is not the end but a call for change. Just like the pond, when we encounter failures or challenges in life, it is crucial to adapt, learn, and make necessary changes. By embracing change, we can overcome obstacles, grow, and ensure our own success and well-being.