Be Not Discouraged

This story by Don Mondell is worth repeating and sending to your loved ones:

One day, the Devil laid out his gleaming, razor-edged tools upon a worn and ancient wooden table. He announced a "fire" sale and carefully marked the price upon each tool:

ANGER: $100, RESENTMENT: $400, HATRED: $600, etc.

Each tool sold almost as quickly as it was placed upon the table. Toward the end of the day, a crooked old man in tattered rags approached. The man eyed the tools that remained, but was taken by a certain tool at the end of the table. The tool resembled the two long and bowed fangs of a viper. Its chrome-like pointy tusks caught the sun and sent flashes of blinding light everywhere. With one hand, the old man blocked his eyes from the glare and with the other, he reached for the tool. As he grabbed hold, the tool's steely, needle tips nearly pierced his hand. This seemed to please the old man. He snatched up the tool and held it to his chest. With a glint in his eye, the man asked the Devil, “How much for this one?” “I’m sorry, that tool isn’t for sale,” the Devil replied. Without hesitation, the man said, “But I’ll pay double. I know how valuable it is.”

The Devil narrowed his eyes and hissed, “Sir, I’ve told you, that tool is not for sale, nor will I ever sell it. It is the most useful tool I own and without it, I wouldn't be half as effective in my work. With that tool alone, I can accomplish my every task. Now good day, sir.” Dejected, the man looked once more at the shiny tool, then slowly placed it on the table. With almost a whisper, he said to the Devil, "If I can't buy it, would you, at least tell me its name?" A slow and wicked grin grew across the Devil's face. "Of course, old man, its name is... Discouragement."

Robert South said, “Defeat should never be a source of discouragement but rather a fresh stimulus”. Discouragement is not the absence of adequacy, but rather the absence of courage. Hence “disCOURAGEment”. Don’t quit. You can do it. It’s always darkest just before the dawn, you know. Hang tough. Discipline yourself to keep your eyes on your goal and know this: The difference between dismal failure and magnificent success is the ability to keep on and not become discouraged.

Robin J. Elliott www.jvwisdom.com



Be Not Discouraged - To learn more about this author, visit Robin Elliott's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
What Sales People Need in a Down Economy
	Selling can't slow down just because the economy does. Learn how to protect your business from economic disaster by helping your sales people get the one thing they need to sell in a down economy.
Lesson #1: Don’t Get Mad, Get Even
	“When I see a barrier, I cry and I curse, and then I get a ladder and climb over it,” said Johnson.
Turning Sales Setbacks into Success
	As sellers, we invariably run into obstacles that are tough to overcome. Learn what top sellers do when they encounter these challenges and how they use them as a springboard to success.
Be Not Discouraged; Fight On!
	Only you can decide how you wish to perceive yourself. This self-image has a lot to do with how you handle adversity.
Do-it-Yourself Patents
	As an entrepreneur, you're always looking to save time and money. This article discusses some of the pros and cons of applying for a patent yourself using the latest books and software out there.

---

Related Forum Posts