Applying The Daffodil Theory into Business Practice

At times all of us need a bit of inspiration to add to our day. When I first read this article, I had started my own home based business and was in a bit of a slump. This inspirational story was exactly what helped spring me into action and keep on going.

I loved it so much that I thought why not share with other people in hopes it would have the same type of effect it had on me.

THE DAFFODIL PRINCIPLE

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must come see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead. "I will come next Tuesday," I promised, a little reluctantly, on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and so I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house and hugged and greeted my grandchildren, I said, "Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in the clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see bad enough to drive another inch!" My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."

"Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!"; I assured her. "I was hoping you'd take me over to the garage to pick up my car." "How far will we have to drive?"

"Just a few blocks," Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this." After several minutes, I had to ask, "Where are we going? This isn't the way to the garage!"

"We're going to my garage the long way," Carolyn smiled, "by way of the daffodils." "Carolyn," I said sternly, "please turn around." "It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience." After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, there was a hand-lettered sign that read, "Daffodil Garden." We got out of the car and each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path.

Then, we turned a corner of the path, and I looked up and gasped.

Before me lay the most glorious sight. It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it down; over the mountain peak and slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns-great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, saffron, and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted as a group so that it swirled and flowed like its own river; with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"But who has done this?" I asked Carolyn. "It's just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property. That's her home." Carolyn pointed to a well kept A frame house that looked small and modest in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the questions I Know You Are Asking" was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. "50,000 bulbs," it read. The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and very little brain." The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

There it was, The Daffodil Principle. For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun-one bulb at a time-to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountain top.

Still, just planting one bulb at a time, year after year, had changed the world. This unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived. She had created something of ineffable magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration. That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time, often just one baby-step at a time, and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We CAN change the world.

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years. Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. "Start tomorrow," she said. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. Just ask yourself, "How can I put this to use today?"

Author Unknown

SO STOP WAITING:..

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. You can only plant the seed of the future, why not start now? Apply this theory and see where you get in 20 years time! I am ready to help you. For motivation and inspiration visit me at http://www.thinkingfaster.com

Best of luck,

Jennifer Schilling

Copyright © 2004 Jennifer Schilling

Jennifer Schilling is a home business mentor.
Come by and grab a F-R-E-E subscription today at:
http://www.internet- business-success.biz
Or visit her other web sites at

---

Competing With The Big Dogs

You run a small consultancy. You're well qualified, experienced and... Read More

The 9 Key Distinctions of Successful Solo-Entrepreneurs!

SUCCESSFUL Solo-Entrepreneurs approach life and business from a perspective that... Read More

Create Your Entrepreneur Dream Team

I hear it all the time. "What should I do... Read More

Six Steps to Guarantee Your Business Success

Many of us slave away for years for one uninspiring... Read More

If It Was Easy Everybody Would Do It

Q: I started my business about a year ago and... Read More

Do You Have What It Takes?

I think it's fair to say that not everyone is... Read More

The Cockroach Test

Let me ask you a question? Imagine I would offer... Read More

Entrepreneurship as Your Passion

Entrepreneurship has been my passion for as long as I... Read More

Double Your Income Automatically

It is a common known fact that it is far... Read More

Are You Ready To Be Your Own Boss?

You have this burning desire you want to be on... Read More

Isnt it Time You Started to Fly?

I am going to begin this article by sharing a... Read More

History of Enterprise Car Rentals

So few really understand the drives and motivations of entrepreneurs.... Read More

How Entrepreneurs Succeed - The 5 Qualities Needed For Business Success

What is it that sets a successful businessperson apart from... Read More

The Risks of Entrepreneurship

The "spark" for many entrepreneurs is seeing an opportunity that... Read More

Raising Entrepreneurs: What to Do When Your Kid is Born to Think Differently

Adolescence brings with it many challenges ? for both parents... Read More

Traits and Skills of Successful Internet Entrepreneurs

There are certain traits and skills that many successful online... Read More

Evaluating an Opportunity

Business opportunities are often based on broad trends, such as:?... Read More

The Ideal Length of Your Business Plan

How long should a business plan be? A business plan... Read More

The Deal is in the Details

What Startups Need to Get a Business Loan, Part 2In... Read More

Be Where the Pucks Going To Be

The "Great One" said it bestHockey legend Wayne Gretzky, when... Read More

Be An Entrepreneurial Artist: Paint A Picture, then Commit It to Canvas

James had an original concept and he needed an investor.... Read More

Franchising Companies Need New Franchisee Checklists

When franchise companies are moving fast in the market place... Read More

What Makes an Entrepreneur?

Rupert Steiner in his book 'My First Break' attempted to... Read More

CHINESE TAKE-OUT: Oriental Business Principles Demystified For Online Enterprises

"The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that... Read More

Business Startup Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to plan each step of your... Read More

Can a Microbusiness Help You Enjoy a Better Retirement?

Not having enough money for a comfortable retirement tops the... Read More

Lessons Learned from Successful Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are a special breed of high achievers. They create... Read More

The Reluctant Entrepreneur

It seems odd to think of a person opening a... Read More

Ancient Warrior Secrets For The Modern Entrepreneur

The words you see onscreen trigger subconscious responses. Dark images... Read More

Hearing That Entrepreneurial Voice?

Women business owners are our only clients, so naturally we... Read More

Think - Dont React

How you think, your relationship with yourself is what decides... Read More

Competitive Edge

In his book, The Road Ahead, Bill Gates of Microsoft... Read More

Message to Prospective Franchisees for Franchisors

Many franchise companies fail to send the proper message to... Read More