IF and WHEN

IF and WHEN were friends. Every week they met and had lunch. Their conversation usually centered on all the things they were going to achieve. They both had many dreams and they loved to talk about them.

This particular Saturday when they met, WHEN sensed that IF was not in a great mood. As usual they sat at the table reserved for them and ordered their lunch. Once they placed their order, WHEN questioned IF. "IF what is wrong with you? You don't seem your usual cheery self?"

IF looked at WHEN and replied, "I'm not sure, I just don't feel like I am making any progress. This last week I saw a course I wanted to take if only I had the time to take it."

WHEN knew exactly how IF felt. "Yeah," replied WHEN, "I too saw a course and I am going to register when I get enough money together." WHEN then said, "well what about that new job you were going to apply for. You were so excited about it last week, did you apply?"

IF responded, "If my computer didn't break down last week, I would have applied. But, my computer is not working, so I could not type my resume."

"Don't worry about it IF, when you are ready another job will come through. I have been thinking about looking for another job also, but I will wait and when the weather gets nicer I will look then." WHEN then went on to tell IF about his week, hoping that it would cheer him up a bit.

The man at the next table couldn't help overhear WHEN and IF. They both were talking about when this and if that, finally he couldn't take it anymore. "Excuse me gentlemen," the man said. IF and WHEN both looked at the man and wondered what he wanted. The man continued, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help hearing your conversation. I think I know how you could solve your problems."

IF smiled and thought, how could a complete stranger know how to solve all of their problems. If only he knew. When he realized the challenges they faced there was no way he could solve their problems! Curious, IF asked the gentleman, "How do you think you can solve our problems?"

The gentleman smiled and said, "You only need listen to yourselves. It reminds me of an old proverb:

'If and When were planted, and Nothing grew'."

IF and WHEN looked puzzled. The gentleman smiled and said, "Start counting how many times you use the words 'if' and 'when'. Rather than thinking 'if and when', start doing, take action, stop talking about 'if and when'."

IF and WHEN both looked surprised, and suddenly realized that what the gentleman had said was so true. Both of them were guilty of thinking, acting and living their life for the "ifs and whens". The gentleman left and IF and WHEN's conversation changed. They made a pact that when they met for lunch next week, there would be no "ifs and whens"; they would only talk about what they accomplished!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Catherine Pulsifer is one of the editors of Words of Wisdom 4 U, http://www.wow4u.com. You will find a collection of motivational thoughts, stories, quotes, poems, smiles, proverbs, and more at Words of Wisdom 4 U!

---

Practical Nine-Step Guide to Max Productivity

Step 1: List all the business activities that you complete... Read More

You, 5.0: How To Master Any Skill Quickly

So you want to expand your horizons by securing a... Read More

Quick Steps To Make This Your Best Year Yet

Looking for a way to make this year your best... Read More

Building the Minds Framework for Success

Man is the most advanced being on this earth. We... Read More

The REAL Secret to Success

I used to see a chiropractor who handed out a... Read More

The Ancestral Cream

"I am the greatest warrior. I have fought with gods... Read More

Staying Cool When the Job Heats Up

Jobs are heating up. We're all feeling the pinch of... Read More

Success -- Its All a Matter of Mindset!

"Walk away from the 97% crowd. Don't use their excuses.... Read More

It is a Challenge to Succeed

(excerpted from The Challenge to Succeed audio series)It is a... Read More

The Gravitational Pull of ANTs, WORMS & FEARS

What is an ANT? An ANT is an acronym for... Read More

Evaluating Your Associations (Part Two)

Two weeks ago we took a look at the power... Read More

More and More and More and More

About six years ago I began to study tai chi.... Read More

Identify Those Things That Have Prevented You From Being Successful And Learn How To Avoid Them Now

Have you been struggling for years to accomplish some goals... Read More

Success and Failure: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Failure is GreatYou are probably asking yourself what could be... Read More

Thoughts on Successful People

I was hired to do some training for a sales... Read More

Success Lessons From Tennis That Can Change Your Life

Most sports are full of lessons for the discerning. Tennis... Read More

Empowering Other People

Everything you will ever have and accomplish in life will... Read More

Success Is Based On A Realistic Plan

Everyone wants to be successful. However, many people often rely... Read More

Amazing Mind Control Secret... Your Key to Ultimate Success

Understand and apply this one secret to your own life,... Read More

7.9 Things I Learned About Success From Darth Vader

Unless you have been living in a cave, you have... Read More

Dont Just Read About It; Be About It!

Far too many of us struggle through life despite more... Read More

Success At Any Time?

It goes without saying that we are unlikely to experience... Read More

Let It Be You

Each and every day, there are people all around the... Read More

The Subtlety of Language

I have found that sometimes the subtle difference in our... Read More

Success Lessons From Three UK Soccer Managers - People Are Always Quick To Put You In A Coffin

Arsenal Football Club were the Champions of the Premier league... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Progressive Goal Party

Hold a "progressive" goal party If you have a group... Read More

What Is Your Legacy of Success?

Success! Easy to talk about, but difficult to achieve. Or... Read More

Personal Excellence: Whats Your Motivation? (Part 2 of 3)

The scene from "Biloxi Blues" where Matthew Broderick's character kept... Read More

Succeed !

Are you successful? What does that word mean to you?... Read More

One Step at a Time the Bowling Ball up the Ladder of Success!

I have often been asked the question, "What is true... Read More

Balance Of Life

Mary and Susan were friends for years. They grew up... Read More

Private Effort Means Success In Public

If we eat too much at home, the public eventually... Read More

Top 10 Tools for a Strong Personal Foundation

Coaching is about living great lives. It's about living lives... Read More