Zen Hacker – The Power Of Holding Back

A Duck Ponders Its Options
Photo Credit: Meena Rose

Today, during my lunchtime stroll around the trail, I found myself quite captivated by the duck you see in the photo. There were other ducks up on that ledge and they all took turns climbing up and then flying down in the pond. If I could venture a guess, this water feature was akin to a skate park for them. And so it was, they each took turns jumping off the ledge. Some went more than once except for this one duck.

I was almost ready to move on but I was so glad that I waited. This amazing duck suddenly decided to leap off catching the breeze just right and used its feet like water skis. This duck was almost half way across the pond before the momentum was lost. The duck was then cheered by its peers who immediately flocked around him asking for an encore.

I moved on by then and kept looking over my shoulders. There was the duck waiting again despite all his peers quacking around him. I could only shake my head and smile. That duck reminded me of an important lesson today.

Perhaps some of you will relate to what I have to say next. When I find myself staring a new opportunity in the eye or a new dare, I feel like I must explode off the block and burn through all the pent up energy immediately just to see how far I’d go.

What life has taught me, instead, is to actually hold back. Instead of 100% or 150% as may be the case, I launch with 50% or 60% if I cave in a little. What that one decision gives me is endurance and lasting power. This in turn has surprised a number of my peers since I continue to show up and deliver while extending my reach.

Of course, there are some other soft benefits that come with this approach. Since you are continuously progressing, you stay motivated. Since you are continuously progressing, you amaze those around you. Since you were disciplined enough to rein in the energy, you have the time accurately shape how it should be discharged.

How about you? What is your style? Are you raring to go or do you bide your time? Perhaps, somewhere in between?

Related articles

• Zen Hacker – A New Segment For 2013 (2voices1song.com)
• Ducks helping tornado victims cope (wwlp.com)
• Be a duck. (ardysez.wordpress.com)