So, there I was just hangin’ out with the grandkids watching Clifford the Big Red Dog.
It’s important to the story to understand that this is the puppy days version of Clifford so he isn’t very big at all just yet.
Emily, Clifford’s owner, has just told him that she is taking him to the dog run for the very first time in his life. She is telling him how much fun he will have and about all the new puppy friends he will meet. Needless to say, little Clifford is quite excited.
Before they leave for the park Clifford spots his bird friend, Norville, sitting on the windowsill. Clifford rushes over to tell Norville the great news. Norville appears to be a kind and friendly bird but I quickly found out that he lives in a glass half empty world. Clifford excitedly tells Norville that he is headed to the dog run for the first time in his life.
Norville begins his response in positive tone with, “Good for you, Clifford!” Then he quickly changes his tune and goes into half glass empty mode.
“And, you’re not even nervous at all!”
Suddenly, Clifford’s excitement begins to turn to doubt. “Why should I be nervous,” he asks with some trepidation in his voice.
Norville has no problem telling Clifford all the reasons he should be concerned about this great new adventure he is about to go on. Just like that this great adventure Clifford was about to embark on became something to fear.
Watching this episode brought me back to just a few years ago when I was a regular attender of a few job-networking groups for people who were unemployed or underemployed. The question would often come up during these meetings asking people if they would be willing to change careers. I was amazed at how often the response would be, “Oh, I could never do that! This career is the only thing I know. That would be too scary.”
My guess is that these people, full disclosure, I was among them, had Norvilles in their lives at one point or were their own Norvilles. Seeds of doubt can very quickly become planted in our minds and quickly take root if we allow them.
Simple statements, from often well-meaning people, can keep us from pursuing our passions or going after our dreams.
Who are the Norvilles in your life? Are you a Norville in the lives of those around you?
What have they said to you that has you stuck in their glass-half empty world? What have you said that has dampened someone’s dreams?
What will you do today to begin to see your opportunities in a glass-half full way? It takes courage to look at the world through a different lens!
Philippians 4:8
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? I’d love to be that guy. You can reach me at dave@cultivatecourage.com or 952-200-7499.
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This post originally ran on March 16, 2015.
As a new dad I can identify with watching shows with my son and being struck by the cartoon nuggets of truth that are designed for kids, but apply to us adults. As a fellow traveler on the tenuous road of career transition, this idea of the “Norvilles” in my life is a critical issue for me to be aware of. It also reminds me of the story of Job in the Old Testament. It’s so important to have a filter on the voices we listen to, particularly when we are taking a bold step in a new direction!