There is a story about the USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides’, that illustrates the power of small steps and creative thinking. During the war of 1812, the frigate found itself becalmed near several British ships. Without wind, she could not sail away and though much of the British fire fell short, the danger was great. Captain Issac Hull sent out small boats carrying anchors to the far reach of the anchor lines, dropped them into the water and then winched the anchors to slowly pull the Constitution a short distance each time. The size of his ship blocked much of these actions from view and by the time the British realized what he was doing, he had gained enough distance to make his safe escape when the winds returned.
When we feel powerless, it is easy to give into despair or anger, to look for someone or something to blame, or even to slip into denial of reality. What if instead we follow the example of Captain Hull and look for small things we can do that move us in the direction we want to go? While it is important to know your long term goals, achievable small steps are often what get us there. Original thinking, believed to be somewhat rare in human thought patterns, nourishes us and fosters transformative actions. Challenges can push us to “think outside the box”, to transform the interplay of thoughts and feelings that define our experiences and the eventual outcomes. Let your current challenges stimulate your mind to recognize small steps that lead to great possibilities.
When we feel powerless, it is easy to give into despair or anger, to look for someone or something to blame, or even to slip into denial of reality. What if instead we follow the example of Captain Hull and look for small things we can do that move us in the direction we want to go? While it is important to know your long term goals, achievable small steps are often what get us there. Original thinking, believed to be somewhat rare in human thought patterns, nourishes us and fosters transformative actions. Challenges can push us to “think outside the box”, to transform the interplay of thoughts and feelings that define our experiences and the eventual outcomes. Let your current challenges stimulate your mind to recognize small steps that lead to great possibilities.
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