Many of you will have heard this story in one form or another. It is one of my favorite passages and I felt it would be the perfect first addition to the Thoughts on Leadership. Without further ado...
The Young Man and the Starfish
A story inspired by Loren Eiseley
A wise man was taking a sunrise walk along the beach. In the distance he caught sight of a young man who seemed to be dancing along the waves. As he got closer he saw the young man was picking up starfish from the sand and tossing them gently back into the ocean. "What are you doing?" the wise man asked. "The sun is coming up and the tide is going out; if I don't throw them in they'll die." "But young man, there are miles and miles of beach with starfish all along it, you can't possibly make a difference." The young man bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it lovingly back into the ocean, past the breaking waves. "It made a difference for that one," he replied.
This story illustrates an important point for all of us. Every little bit, every small action, makes a difference. It sends repercussions and reverberations around the world. If we each do a part, small or large, we make a difference. If we choose only to focus on the large picture and how many 'starfish' or people in the world need our help, and how can we possibly help them all, then the task becomes daunting. If we focus instead on making a difference for just one person or 'starfish' then the task becomes far more manageable. Each of us are blessed with the gift and ability to make a difference. It is upon each one of us to recognize and exercise this ability.
"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." - Joel Arthur Barker
