The Starfish

Years ago, I heard a story in a workshop that has shaped my path every since.  It was the story of the starfish and at its heart are 3 distinct lessons:
1. Do what you can where you can.
2. Never be daunted by the size of the task.
3. Make a difference one person at a time.

These principles govern my business practice and the way I try to live my life.  Enjoy!

The Starfish Story 
A young man is walking along the ocean and sees a beach on which thousands of starfish have washed ashore. In the distance he sees an old man, who looked as if he were dancing.  As the young man got closer, he could see the old man stooping down and throwing something into the sea.

“Old  Man, what are you doing?” he asks.

“I am returning the starfish to the safety of the sea.  If I don’t throw them back before the sun rises, they will die.”

“But, old man, that is crazy!  There are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it!
You can’t possibly save them all.  How can you hope to make any difference?”

The old man listened as he bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it
into the sea.

Quietly he said “I made a difference to that one.”

Who are your {Starfish} and how will you make a difference today?


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