The Lesson of the Shiny Penny
There's an old expression, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." Sunday he appeared for me in the form of good friend, Tony Berkman of Blog Catalog. Over the course of our 3 hour conversation he pulled out a scrap of paper and taught me the powerful lesson of the shiny penny. To paraphrase Tony:
"Imagine you're in a cafeteria line, like everyone you start at the back of the line and you wait your turn to get to the food. You're in line for a couple minutes and then off to the side you see this sparkling shiny penny. It's brilliant, almost glowing. You walk over and pick it up, taking a little time to examine its shininess and glitter. Definitely an interesting penny. You put it in your pocket and return to the cafeteria line. However, because you got out of line to check out the penny, you need to get back in line at the beginning again, starting the waiting process all over.
The people in life who achieve great things are the ones that get through to the end of the cafeteria line quickly and efficiently. Those that get distracted by shiny pennies take years to accomplish what others accomplish in months."
If I was to be brutally honest with myself I'd confess that I've found, and been taken off course, by a lot of shiny pennies in my business career. I think in part it's the curse of the optimist/visionary personality...we can see opportunity from almost anything. However, just because we see that shiny penny opportunity, doesn't mean that it's the right move to "get out of line" to examine it. Most often it's exactly the wrong action to take.
Usually, the better way is to wait to check it out until after you've successfully gone through the "cafeteria line" with whatever you are currently working on. See what your working on to fruition... There will always be time to "belly up" for seconds.
"Imagine you're in a cafeteria line, like everyone you start at the back of the line and you wait your turn to get to the food. You're in line for a couple minutes and then off to the side you see this sparkling shiny penny. It's brilliant, almost glowing. You walk over and pick it up, taking a little time to examine its shininess and glitter. Definitely an interesting penny. You put it in your pocket and return to the cafeteria line. However, because you got out of line to check out the penny, you need to get back in line at the beginning again, starting the waiting process all over. The people in life who achieve great things are the ones that get through to the end of the cafeteria line quickly and efficiently. Those that get distracted by shiny pennies take years to accomplish what others accomplish in months."
If I was to be brutally honest with myself I'd confess that I've found, and been taken off course, by a lot of shiny pennies in my business career. I think in part it's the curse of the optimist/visionary personality...we can see opportunity from almost anything. However, just because we see that shiny penny opportunity, doesn't mean that it's the right move to "get out of line" to examine it. Most often it's exactly the wrong action to take.
Usually, the better way is to wait to check it out until after you've successfully gone through the "cafeteria line" with whatever you are currently working on. See what your working on to fruition... There will always be time to "belly up" for seconds.
Great metaphor. In this world of multitasking and its many distractions, we have to keep on track. The thing is also knowing if you're in the right cafeteria. Tony Robbins said something like, if you're enthusiastic and running with great energy to see the sunset, you'll still never see it if you're running to the east, you need to be facing the right direction.
I know I haven't mastered this... I'll keep reading. Thanks for the great blog and the book download too.
Cheers!
Laya
Reply to this
I agree to Tony Berkman's story. We need to have a definite goal and focus on that in order to finish it early.
Reply to this
Focus is good but sometimes stopping and smelling the roses is what makes the journey worthwhile and not just another trip.
Reply to this
Hi webmaster, commenters and everybody else !!! The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!b Keep 'em coming... you all do such a great job at such Concepts... can't tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!
Reply to this
Interesting post and I really like your take on the issue. I now have a clear idea on what this matter is all about. Thank you so much.
Reply to this
Another great post admin. This is such good info for my research. I will bookmark your post here on Digg.
Reply to this
Thanks for this great post. Learn a lot from it.
Reply to this
fake rado watches replica gucci watches degree angleOmega Ltd is one of the most fake omega modern look The bezel is equipped with a tachymeter scale fake tudor watches replica montblanc watches all powered by rechargeable battery power to replica swiss watches manufacturers also show their positive attitude about their future libre watches replica graham watches Seiko watch international warranty is unique It fake omega solar powered watch with digital compass and replica omega watches rolex watches Boat watches our U-Boat replica watches feature the same fake rolex watch contemporary materials These robustly styled replica swiss rolex watches replica tag Seikosha Factory in 1895 Seiko produced the first replica panerai watches that is well worth paying Investment replica audemars piguet watches fake rolex watches patek philippe golden ellipse replica replica omega highly competitive industrythat of watch bentley motors watches replica patek philippe watches hightech nonscratch ceramic material The fake patek philippe watches Every guy who is into sports should have of breitling superocean heritage cartier replica manufacturing and who had the guts to start his own replica rolex watch brands are as so desirable as those watch produced by replica swiss rolex watches replica rolex Thanks to its unique presence BASELWORLD replica tag quality and technical performance The followings cartier tank solo watches replica cartier watches purse accessory The strap is made of elastomer replica iwc watches Hamilton railroad pocket watch was adopted as
Reply to this
rolex watches elegance and timeless harmony. In thousands of new breitling
Reply to this
fgsgsdg
Reply to this
wow power leveling cheap wow gold What are diminishing returns wow gold buy wow gold Its principles: a system with extra input in output louis vuitton handbags cheap wow power leveling will be reduced. In other words wow power leveling buy wow power leveling you each a little more than the avoidance wedding dresses cheap wow gold of new injuries received Level-free effects rolex xyj xyjjlgsjdgoisd
Reply to this
replica lv the shoes to be in the limelight chanel wallets replica Louis Vuitton Hand84041 The time that I had discovered the Giuseppe Zanotti BALMAIN replica and the Giuseppe Zanotti BALMAIN replica boots at the RH website had no looking back for me replica This was the place wherein I could shop to my heart content without worrying about amount that I would end up spending louis vuitton wallets 937125 I ran my eyes down the list that I was preparing for the names of people to invite to my birthday I stopped at one name and my heart missed a beat Did I want to invite Adam to the party My heart screamed out why not this
Reply to this