“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.” – Steve Maraboli
A teacher began his class by holding up a small packet of flour. He held it up for all this students to see and asked them, “How much do you think this flour weighs?”
‘70 gms!’…. ‘100 gms!’…… ‘150 gms’ …… the students answered.
“I will not know the exact weight unless I put it on the scales,” said the teacher, “but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?”
“Nothing” the students answered.
“Alright then, what do you think would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?” the teacher asked.
“Your arm would begin to ache,” said one of the students.
“You’re right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?”
“Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress and have to go to hospital”, said another student; and all the students laughed.
“Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the flour change?” questioned the teacher. “No” the students said. “Then what caused the arm ache and muscle stress?”
The students were puzzled.
“Put the flour down!” said one of the students.
“Exactly!” said the teacher. “Life’s problems are something like this. Hold it for a few minutes in your head and they seem okay. Think of them for a long time and your head begins to ache. Hold it even longer and the problems begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything.”
“It’s important to deal with the challenges and problems in your life to the best of your ability, but if something cannot be solved by you it’s important to ‘let go’, trust the universe and ‘put the weight down’. That way, you won’t be stressed and you will wake up every day fresh and strong. Thus, better able to handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!”
You Don’t Have To Handle Pressure Alone
If this piece mirrors the challenges you’re currently facing, it may be highlighting how you respond to pressure, change, or uncertainty. I work with professionals and leaders who want to think clearly under stress and move forward with strength and direction.
Tony Fahkry
Leadership & Performance Coach
