You Like to Sit on a Nail!
By: Paul Ferraresi
Over the years I have met and observed thousands of people and each and every last one of them say they want some improvement in certain areas of their lives. In fact, most of them flat out confessed that they hated certain situations they were in. But after further evaluations, I discovered that they weren’t willing to do anything about it. It seemed to be good enough for them to just sit there and wallow in their pain, anguish and misery.
Several years ago, I was chatting with a friend after conducting a training session. We were talking about the number of people who say they want to make changes but don’t seem to ever do anything about it. I told him it reminded me of a story I heard over 10 years ago. Here’s how the story goes… One day a man was walking down the street on his way to work. As he walked down the street, there were dogs on just about every front porch and they all would bark as the man walk passed them. However, there was one dog that he remembered, because this dog was just sitting there and he was whimpering and whining and moaning, you know the little whimpering sounds dogs make when they are wounded or in some sort of pain. Well, this particular dog was just sitting there on the front porch making those sounds. The man was curious as to why this dog wasn’t barking like the other dogs and why he was whimpering. He couldn’t figure it out, so he just kept walking to work. The next day he was in the same situation where he was walking down the street and saw the dogs barking once again and this same dog that was moaning and groaning the other day was doing the same thing today and he just couldn’t figure it out. Well, he walked passed for an entire week and everyday the dog would be there moaning and groaning. So, finally the guy got fed up, he said, “let me find out what’s going on.” So he went and knocked on the door and a guy came out and said, “Yes, how may I help you?” He said, “Sir, is this your dog?” “Yes, that’s my dog.” “Well, what’s wrong with him?” The owner of the dog said, “What do you mean?” “Well, he’s been sitting here moaning and groaning, whimpering and whining for an entire week. The rest of the dogs are barking, your dog should be barking too, why is he moaning and groaning?” The owner said, “Well, he’s actually sitting on a nail.” And the guy said, ‘What! Your dog is sitting on a nail. Why doesn’t he get off?” “Well, it just doesn’t hurt him enough.” -.
Wow! You know most people are like that dog sitting on a nail. I mean, sure, they would like to get off the nail, but what if they got off the nail and they died or something? They never seem to stop to consider that maybe they would be healed, maybe they would be free, maybe they would be able to move about and discover some new and exciting options for their lives. But, NOOO. Instead, they just sit there on that nail because they’re not sure what’s going to happen if they get off. I mean, there are no guarantees of safety so to speak. Even though, it’s not the best feeling in the world, sitting on a nail, I mean, it’s not comfortable sitting on a nail, it kind of hurts, but at least they know what to expect. They know that they, say, have $900 per week coming in so they can pay their bills and put food on the table and they can put some clothes on their back and a roof over their heads.
You know, that’s enough for most people. They may even get upset with you if you question their so called security, I mean, if you hand them a book or tape program or tell them about a seminar that can give them some effective strategies for getting off nails, they may resent you for it. Well, you’re different. You are willing to learn some effective nail removing strategies that could set you free because you and I both know that there is no such thing as security. Well, maybe I should take that back. I do know of a place where security exists on this planet. It’s called the graveyard. And you know what, most people tip toe through life so that they can arrive at the graveyard safely. Of course this will not be you… Right? That’s right… Simply because, instead of Moaning & Groaning, Whimpering & Whining about not getting the results you desire, you are a developing a plan to get off the nail and create the conditions you want.
Paul Ferraresi special note: I am always amazed how most people complain that they are so busy that they can not work extra to bring in more income. Yet these same people spend 3 hours per night watching TV (making actors wealthy) or, drinking at the local club (in which they rent the drink for only an hour)
Do you know if you worked only 8 hours extra a week, say part time, at only $10.00/hour. That is $4000/year or $40000 in 10 years. I realize that is 10 years in the future, but, you will live in the future, not the past. You will probably also save half of that $40,000 by not wasting it at the local club. Hmmm that is $60K in your pocket. There are plenty of opportunities out there where the income is 5-10 times greater!
Discipline or regret?
Joan Shayer said,
Wrote on February 24, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Just a note to say the story of the dog on the nail has been a favorite of mine for years. I have shared it many times with family, friends, colleagues and students. Great story!
Pete said,
Wrote on May 20, 2010 @ 3:15 pm
great version of the dog on the nail story can I use it in my leadership training events please.
pete
Vlad said,
Wrote on September 13, 2011 @ 9:42 pm
Awesome story. So much truth in it. It’s another tool for my personal toolbox when talking with people trying to open their eyes and minds. Thank you.