I love this story about the animals’ school. The curriculum at the animals’ school included running, climbing, swimming and flying. All the animals needed to perform in every discipline.
The DUCK was outstanding at swimming; even passing the talent of the teacher. However, he only made passing grades in flying, and was very akward at running. Since he was slow in running, he had to drop swimming and stay after school to practice running. This caused his duck feet to be badly worn, so that he ended up being only average in swimming. As average was an acceptable grade, the teachers did not worry about that and even commanded him for his efforts. The duck thought otherwise.The RABBIT started at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because of so much make-up work in swimming.
The SQUIRREL was excellent in climbing, but he encountered constant frustration in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down. He developed “charlie horses” from overexertion, and so only got a C in climbing and a D in running.
The EAGLE was a problem child and was severely disciplined for being a non-conformist. In climbing he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his way to get there . . . .
A duck is a duck. It is built to swim, not to run or fly and certainly not to climb. A squirrel is a squirrel. To move it out of its forte, climbing, and then expect it to swim or fly will drive a squirrel nuts. Eagles are beautiful creatures in the air but not in a foot race. The rabbit will win every time unless, of course, the eagle gets hungry.
What is true of creatures in the forest is true for us. We are not all the same. We were not created to be the same.
If you are a duck, swim! Don’t get bent out of shape because you wobble when you run or flap instead of fly. If you’re an eagle, stop expecting squirrel to soar, or rabbit to build the same kind of nests you do.
What are you really good at? What are you doing to perfect it and get even better at it? How can you leverage your strengths in your life, in your career, in your relationships? Is there anything you do that could be delegated to someone who has the strength for that? You can become good at anything, of course. You can learn skills and even change your whole identity if that is what you want. Just make sure that when you do change, it is your own choice and it is because you want to, not because you are conforming to what is expected of you. Make sure you know and understand your strengths and keep finding ways to do what you are good at.
Happy Easter!