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Carolyn Smagalski
Creative Imagination
Founder - Editor - Host
Heinrich Heine, German Poet, made a poignant observation
concerning the necessity of adaptability in life. "The
weather-cock on the church spire, though made of iron, would
soon be broken by the storm-wind if it did not understand the
noble art of turning to every wind," he said.
This is not to say that you should move in any direction
chosen by the passing breeze. You must set your sights on
your goal, choose a direction for your life, and move with
perseverance toward that coveted goal. When circumstances
change, as they will at the most inopportune time, you must
develop the habit of re-aligning your actions, so they are,
once again, in harmony with your desires.
The great Winston Churchill (1874-1965), British Statesman and
Prime Minister, said this about change:
"In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished
scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and
if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might."
Look at the life of Ronald Reagan. As a child, he was raised
in a family of modest means. His father suffered from
alcoholism, causing the family to often live with depleted
spirits and limited resources.
Young Ronald made the decision, as a young lad, to be a part
of something greater. Torise above his circumstances: to
adapt to a different way of life. He became an avid reader,
and referred to the local library as "the House of Magic."
He grasped every opportunity with enthusiasm, moving with the
circumstances that were within his reach, gazing through the
windows of opportunity, keeping his eyes alert for open doors,
and seizing the chances as they came.
In Reagan's book, A Life in Letters, he recounts an
early story about his role as a sports announcer during a game
between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Information in those days was transmitted over a telegraph via
Morse code.
It was an important game, tied in the ninth inning. Without
warning, the telegraph wire went dead! Reagan faked the
events of a batter, Billy Jurges, hitting foul balls until the
last moment, when the telegraph wire finally became alive
again, transmitting the final events to wrap up the game! At
great risk to himself, Reagan kept his audience spellbound
through the power of adaptability.
No doubt, this power served him well throughout his career
from screen actor and president of the Actor's Guild, to
Governor of California and, ultimately, President of the
United States of America.
"Learn to adjust yourself to the conditions you have to
endure, but make a point of trying to alter or correct
conditions so that they are most favorable to you," advised
William Frederick Book.
Adaptability is a powerful tool in your journey toward
success. Learn to develop this as a vital resource. It
creates a magical effect that is an important instrument in
your quest for opportunity.
Content copyright © 2003-2008 by Carolyn Smagalski. All rights
reserved. This content was written by Carolyn Smagalski.
If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need
written permission.
Contact Carolyn Smagalski
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