A few years ago, I spoke at a conference in South Africa. I followed it by going on a safari in Pilanesberg National Park. Our group set off in an open-sided vehicle with our guide at the wheel.
Almost immediately, we came to a screeching halt. A matriarchal herd of elephants was crossing the road. Our guide jumped up, turned around, and warned us:
“Keep your body within the confines of this vehicle. They’re accustomed to it. If your arms or head stick out, moving and waving, you’ll scare them, and they could charge us.”
We got the message! We sat quietly and watched as the elephants marched one by one down to a lake. They drank their fill, played in the water, rolled in the mud pits, and finally sauntered off.
Later, I visited The Elephant Sanctuary. The elephants there have been rescued or retired from circuses, zoos, and laborious work. They’re accustomed to being around people, so we could interact with them personally. I learned a lot.
But here’s what jumped out at me.
Elephants are born with a set of molars—two on top and two on the bottom. When these teeth wear down, they’re replaced by a new set. This happens five times over an elephant’s 65-year lifespan.
It takes two whole years for the new teeth to come in fully—and it hurts like crazy. Think of it. Ten years of pain. To deal with it, the elephants chew rocks.
They chew rocks! Unbelievable. But it got me thinking about all the times in my life when I’ve chewed rocks.
Sometimes, when things were going well, I got complacent. My skills got a little rusty, and I suffered because of it. Painful.
When I lost my two big consulting clients during a recession, I had to rethink my business entirely. More pain.
Or, I had an idea I wanted to pursue, but there was so much for me to learn to make it a reality. It was excruciating.
Growing new teeth is painful but necessary.
At first, you don’t even know what to do. So, you chew harder and complain about it to anyone who will listen. Then, one day, you realize you need new teeth—or perhaps new knowledge, skills, or ideas.
Consider this: Are you chewing more vigorously today but seeing fewer results? Do you have an idea brewing inside but aren’t quite ready to implement it?
Is it time for you to consider getting new molars—even if it hurts? And what will your new teeth look like?
Don’t wait until you’re chewing rocks! Get ahead of the game. Act now.