Four weeks, one book
These past four weeks have had several readings, one of which include the book Launching Leaders by Steven A. Hitz. It has been a month of reflection and ponderings. This week has been specifically included how we will measure our lives.
At the end of the book, Hitz re-tells the story of Kind Richard the Third in a battle against the future King Henry of England. The short version of the story is that Richards’ horse lost a shoe, and as it ran off and he couldn’t regain control of it or his troops, Henry moved in and claimed the kingdom. Why did Richard’s horse lose his shoe? Because the blacksmith didn’t have the supplies to properly shoe the horse and wasn’t given enough time to make or obtain them. Without the proper shoeing, it was only a matter of time before the improperly placed shoe came off.
This one little thing could have saved Richard his kingdom. But because of a rush and the urgency with which the blacksmith was pushed, corners were cut and mistakes ultimately made.
This is so relevant to our lives now. The little things matter in the grand scheme of things. Without the little things being properly done, the large aspects will fall apart.
It reminds me that every good structure has to have solid foundation. Whether that is taking the time, getting the education, or seeking people who are more qualified to do or teach you the job, life is just like a structure. It has many components – personal and professional for example – and to have success in any pursuit, doing the job right the first time is so important.
I hope to measure my life with satisfaction that the minute details were attended to. I would hate to look back on my life and have the gut-wrenching feeling that blacksmith must have had – he tried to do his job properly, and by the end of the day he had a new king.