The Journey – Once upon a time, there was a boy who wanted to know the secret of success. So, he decided to find out from a Guru.
This Guru was a wise, old sage who knew every secret of Life.
He lived in isolation on a mountain top. The boy journeyed through thick forests, scaled huge boulders and dodged wild beasts, until he finally met the Guru.
The Guru was seated in deep meditation. So, the boy waited silently.
Almost an hour later, the Guru opened his eyes and looked at the boy. The boy asked:
“Wise Guru, I came to learn the secret of success.”
The Guru said nothing.
He stood up and started to walk down the hill.
The boy followed earnestly while the Guru seemed to skip from one rock to another like a mountain-goat. They journeyed for what seemed like an hour, until they reached a clearing where there was a beautiful lake.
The waters were still, glinting softly in the sun’s rays.
The Guru walked up to the lake and motioned for the boy to kneel down in front of the water. The boy sped to the edge and kneeled.
Suddenly, the Guru grabbed the boy’s neck and forced the boy’s head into the water, holding it there firmly.
“This must be some kind of test,” the boy said to himself, as he remained in the position calmly.
A minute passed and the boy wanted desperately to breathe, but the Guru’s grip on his neck hadn’t softened.
Another 30 seconds crawled by and the boy started to panic. His heart beat heavily in his chest. His throat tightened and his lungs screamed for air.
He struggled to sit up, but the Guru tightened his grip, pressing the boy’s head further into the water.
The boy started to panic. He thrashed around wildly, trying with all his energy to loosen the grip around his neck. Seconds passed, and he felt his strength slipping away.
The boy thought he was going to die in the lake. But just as he was about to give up hope, the hand on his neck released.
The boy leaps up and drew his breath in heaving gasps. Fresh air flooded his lungs and his vision grew clearer.
He felt a deep anger welling up from within himself.
Standing up, he looked at the Guru and shouted:
“You could have killed me!”
The Guru said nothing.
After a long while, he spoke:
“You wanted to know the secret of success. Here it is.”
Do you remember, just a few minutes ago, how badly you wanted to take that next breath of air?
When you want success that badly, you will have it. That’s the secret of success.”
Without saying another word, the Guru turned around and returned to the mountain top.
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When your desire for something is intense enough, you will find the way to get it. Set your goals, focus your attention, and go!
So, How Bad Do You Want It?
