Focus on the goal - Be more squirrel!

I was sat at home in my office this morning, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a squirrel run along the fence, drop down to the ground and try to run up the pole that supports a bird feeder. He initially made great progress, but then, loosing traction slipped to the base. I gave myself a high five, and congratulated my foresight of greasing the pole as per an on line suggestion I had previously read.

The squirrel undeterred and unaware of my celebration, attempted 2 or 3 more times, slipping to the bottom with each failed attempt. By now I was turned toward the window, coffee in hand, eager to see how this unfolded. Each time he slid to the base my smile grew a little broader!

Having no joy with the pole and realising it was a futile exercise he shot back up the fence and sat still for a moment, probably catching his breath from the vigorous efforts moments ago. Then with a determined glance at the bird feeder, he made a leap towards it. Flying towards it with limbs outstretched....... however he had misjudged the distance and although one of his paws clambered for the bird feeder, he ultimately fell to the floor.

Not giving up, he was straight back to the fence and in position for attempt 2 This time he was more successful. He had made it. Clinging to the rim of the bird feeder, he swung freely for a few moments, and then hauled himself up and was in prime position. However his sense of achievement was short lived as the sprung loaded mechanism in the feeder had closed off the access to the food.

Again, I patted myself on the back for selecting a squirrel proof feeder and took a celebratory gulp of coffee. However the wily rodent had other plans. He quickly discovered shaking the feeder and pole allowed small amounts of the contents to drop to the floor, and after a sufficient amount of shaking, he collected his bounty and disappeared, leaving me to regret my premature celebrations and go back to the drawing board!!

However, it made me think how the squirrel had just given an important life lesson. He well and truly had his eyes on the prize, and was fully focused. His goal was to get the food, and he wasn't going to leave until he had some.

His initial plans had failed, but he didn't give up, but just employed a different plan to get the result he was after.

If the goal is right, and you want it bad enough you will do whatever it takes to get there. If the first plan doesn't work, its not that the goal is wrong or needs changing. Change the plan, adapt it, and make it happen.

Today - I am going to be more Squirrel! - Are you!?