I came across a striking video of nature in action on Twitter, of a large bird, flying over the shore in Florida, having just plucked a shark out of the ocean for its lunch.
I imagined what it’d be like, being so hungry – or passionate – about something that nothing could hold you back.
This bird, I guarantee you, did NOT have the following thoughts:
- I’m just a bird.
- I don’t have time to catch the shark.
- My wings are too funny-looking.
- I’m hungry, but who am I to want that shark?
- What will the other birds think if I try to go for that shark?
- Will the other birds tell me I’ll never be able to get a shark?
- What if I go for the shark, and I fail?
- No bird has ever caught a shark before.
- I can’t catch a shark.
- There’s no way I could catch a shark, I don’t have the credentials or the experience to.
- I’m not good enough at flying, spotting, etc. to catch a shark.
- I’ve seen those orcas catch a shark, and I am not as good as them.
- Last time I tried to catch a shark, I failed.
- I could never do this.
Now think about the hopes and dreams and goals you have. We humans say these ridiculous things to ourselves ALL THE TIME.
Want to get into medical school? I’m not smart enough.
Want that promotion? What if I try and I don’t get it.
Want to switch careers? My mom/spouse/neighbor will think I’m crazy for leaving this job.
Want to ask the guy out to dinner? There’s no way he’d ever say yes to me, he’s out of my league.
We have something to learn from this video. It’s pure passion, drive, and an instinctual need to survive. Somewhere along the way, humans have forgotten how to tap into this. We come up with excuses, we fear change, we become complacent and therefore stagnant. Want to reach and operate at your level of genius? Well, be the bird. Eat the shark.
