Remember the stories that shaped our lives when we were younger? The Giving Tree... The Very Hungry Caterpillar... The Little Engine That Could.
The great thing about children's stories is that they open our eyes to the possibilities. They give listeners the power to believe, the freedom to imagine, and the desire to be a better person. The lessons taught aren't given in stern school-room fashion. Rather, they show what to do by giving the right examples in 'follow what I say and what I do' format.
How many times have you heard managers spew "do as I say, not as I do"? Why would incongruity be a good thing at work? Isn't it disingenuous to promote authority to those who don't do lead by good example? And, why would you ever WANT to be "one of those people"?
The Little Engine That Could illustrates how a small engine accomplished big things through the power of positive thinking. He didn't listen to the ones that told him he couldn't solve the problem, that he wasn't good enough, that he wasn't strong enough. He repeatedly encouraged himself with "I think I can, I think I can" - and indeed he could.
If you tell yourself it's possible, it is. If you surround yourself with people who are drama-free and who are supportive (rather than nay-sayers or doubting folks), not only will you be happier but you will amaze yourself at how the power of positive thinking allows you to exceed your wildest dreams. You can dream as big as you want - like creating a successful life in the heart of a volcano!
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/10/25/451643327/descending-into-a-volcano-to-farm
