In Arizona, school starts on August 8.
My daughter Rosie started kindergarten this year. On the playground, there is a set of monkey bars.
Kids line up for a turn to cross. Many of Rosie’s peers were already flying across the bars with confidence on the first day of school. One girl would smile as she swung backwards across the bars in just a few seconds.
Rosie would line up for her turn, and hang on the first bar until her hands slipped off.
She had a big smile on her face.
Then she would turn around and get back in line.
She would hang on the first bar again until her hands slipped off.
She would do this until the school bell rang.
Her hands developed blisters, then calluses.
She did this every day. Starting on August 8.
Today, October 23, she crossed the whole set of bars for the first time.
She was strong enough.
She was brave enough.
She knew what she had to do.
She was not worried about anyone else.
She was ready.
I think there is a big lesson there for us entrepreneurs.
I worked at a jewelry shop, allow me to add..If you are shopping for seasonal brooches, try to buy them out of the season.
By buying Christmas brooches, valentine’s day broaches or Easter brooches out of the season, you can usually save a lot of money and acquire a quality piece of jewelry. So, if you are looking for a Christmas tree brooch or a snowman brooch, try to buy it in July.
[…] a totally different skill set than sitting on the seesaw (being an employee). You’ll have to practice and get stronger for quite awhile before you’ll be able to do them […]
We need to try continuously to achieve our goal, if any failure occurs than we should think that I am on the way of my success. And we also need to be wise in our practical life which will help us to gain the ability to take right decision in the right time spontaneously. The story is nice, little but effective to learn something. The baby is cute.
“The child is father to the man,” comes to mind. Lesson well-taught.
I needed a little inspiration today in NYC — and thanks to Rosie, I got it.
It is beautiful out there…Soak it all in.
Inspirational story! Being the first time mom of a 6 month old, I am constantly amazed by the dedication and perseverance my baby shows in learning a new activity. We can definitely learn a lot from kids. BTW, Rosie is simply adorable 🙂
How awesome! She sounds like she is a courageous and determined little girl! Just wonderful. We can all learn from children.
I aspire to be just like Rosie! Rosie for president! (Thanks for this heart-warmingly encouraging story, Pam.)
Adorable… I guess, growing up taught us to fear lots of things. To see the world in the eyes of a child is a gift; the wisdom is priceless.
Just look at those eyes and look at that smile. Yes!
Love this… and her smile. 🙂
I think you’re right Pam – def a lesson in learning for us entrepreneurs.
Sometimes it’s best to just go with the flow and keep giving it all you got everyday!
Thanks for sharing this personal anecdote 🙂
Oh Pam, thank you for sharing Rosie’s story. Many adults don’t like to be told what to do, and you have let Rosie SHOW us! I’m passing this on!
Kids can teach us a lot, we need to keep our eyes open 😉
Such a great story. Life is a journey, and it is OK if we follow our own path and timing Your daughter must be a self-confident little person to see herself as a “unique snowflake” rather than someone who isn’t as capable as the other kindergartners – I love it! Thanks for sharing this great story!
Only a strong, confident Mother could create kids that could keep smiling and try again. Just like your photo with Rosie – you are providing a model for more than her work – she loves her play too!
Fantastic story of perseverance in action!
The most important part? “Then she would turn around and get back in line.”
That’s the hero in her. It’s like Steven Pressfield’s battling Resistance ethos. The difference maker is our dedication and willingness to turn around – despite blisters, self confidence issues, weariness, people saying you can’t and are dumb to try, knowing it’s gonna cost you – and getting back in that line to have another go today. That’s the key – it’s no secret. We learn it on the playground. It’s just hard. Supersize congrats to her!
What a great story and a great life lesson for us all. Whether you’re starting a business, writing a novel, raising a child or nurturing a dream only you know, it’s all about persevering with a smile. Way to go Rosie! Thanks for sharing this today, Pam.
Of course you know how I love this. <3 But there's something else. How did Rosie hang on that single bar, smile, and start again with all those other kids around? Why didn't she feel embarassed? What gave her the confidence of her own timing? Might that be you, Mama? Because I think there's a lesson for entrepreneurs there, too.