The Athletic Frog

I once heard a story about some frogs that wanted to compete in an athletic event. A committee was selected to find a suitable event. There was only one condition; it had to be something in which any frog could compete if they so chose.

After looking at many options, the committee recommended a challenging hopping competition of hopping step by step to the top of the neighborhood water tower.

On the day of the event, a large crowd gathered to watch and cheer the contestants. Not a single one of them believed any of the frogs would reach the top. In fact as the race progressed the audience became quite vocal and negative. They shouted such things as:

“Give up. It is too far and too difficult.”

“You’ll never reach the top. Quit before you hurt yourself.”

“You can’t do this because frogs are not meant to climb stairs.”

The race had barely started before the first frogs began dropping out. The race continued and with every step, another frog gave up. “It’s too hard” the spectators yelled. “You can’t make it.”

A few continued to climb but at the end of the race only one frog made it to the top to claim his prize. The crowd was surprised, stunned, and curious about how he had done it. His secret was simple. He was DEAF!

This little frog, unlike the other frogs, didn’t hear the audience’s encouragement to give up. He didn’t hear their negativity. He didn’t listen to their yells that frogs couldn’t do this thing. Because he didn’t hear all the distractions, he wasn’t impacted or discouraged by their comments.

Wise parents teach their children that there are times to become DEAF to the negative and discouraging comments to which they may be exposed. In addition, they reinforce their belief in their child’s ability to achieve whatever goals they are striving towards.