A man who carries a cat by the tail… REDUX

Admittedly, it is a little cheap to take the “REDUX” route again and republish an old blog, but I looked at the data recently and my most popular blog is back on top this month. The original blog was written almost eight and a half year ago and I revised it seven years ago —after all this time, it is still finding an audience.

The metrics are humble for sure, but I still marvel that people find what I have written, and in some cases “liked it” or even commented. Even my new friend iamGPT says it’s a well written blog.

It is a reminder that if you have something to say or something you want (or need) to do, it needs to get out there for everyone to experience — you will learn so much through the process and it will resonate much further than you will ever appreciate. Things only happen when you do them — so, as cheap as it may be, I want to share my most popular blog. Again.

"A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn no other way".

I read this the other day and smiled at the imagery it conjured up,?as well as how it re-enforced?Mark Twain as a?master?of the analogy.?I will say up front?I have not literally carried a cat by the?tail, but I would?envision something like this...?

A piercing cat cry, followed with screams and hisses of recognition, as the cat finds?itself in a very unnatural vertical position facing the ground. Ears folded back and?sharp incisors snapping, the cat brings it's claws to bear, violently lunging and contouring its sleek body up to defy gravity. The poor soul, who thought this was a good idea, tries to?hold on?to the tail,?stay balanced and is forever compensating?to avoid the?angry cat's weaponry. And remember, the cat is being carried, so this is all happening on the move.

Reflecting on this somewhat?comical and unsettling image, I can't help but think of it?in the context of the challenging situations, problems and opportunities we can be faced?with. Mark Twain is good that way, offering a full spectrum analogy.

Sometimes you just shouldn't carry a?cat by the tail: I am a big believer of growing, changing and exploring new things, but sometimes it makes sense to leave well enough alone;?particularly if you are not prepared for, or don't have a clear picture of what you will get?from "carrying?the cat"... other than expended energy, acquiring telltale scars, and haunting memories.

Sometimes you just have to carry a?cat by the tail: Some say experience is the only real teacher and the only way to truly learn how to "carry a cat by the tail"...?is to?do it.

• You will learn how not to let go when the going gets difficult (or?painful)
• You will learn new skills to deal with new situations.?
• You will learn how to adapt and manage?ever changing dynamics.
• There is knowledge and development that?only comes with what is inherently?difficult.
• With some things, you can only learn from your mistakes.

Sometimes you have to carry a?cat by the tail so one day you will be able to carry?a?"Tiger" by the tail: The premise of carrying a cat by the tail is that it is difficult by nature?and by working through this?difficulty;?lessons, skills and knowledge come your way.?With?overcoming the challenges of carrying a cat, it prepares you for the time when you may need (or want) to carry a "Tiger" by the tail. And I will?suggest they are magnitudes more difficult.

There is something about the image of carrying a cat by the tail that is simply a painful endeavour;?something most people would not entertain. On the other hand, those who?take?on the metaphorical?challenge of "carrying a cat by the tail", endure?the struggle and?the pain, will have learned unique and important skills that will serve them well in the future. So, when challenging problems and situations present themselves, grab them and hold on.

Please note, I am not suggesting you literally carry a cat by the?tail... it is just cruel, and?I would suggest?you will lose the?battle, with?a trip to the doctor in your future.

iamgpe?