One of my many problems growing up was that I had a zebra mentality.  Then, I wasn’t trying to be faster than the lion; I was only trying to be faster than the slowest zebra.  I was focused on doing just enough to get by, just enough to get a passing grade, just enough to not get yelled at by my coach, just enough to keep my job.

I recently read the above which is in reference to the old African proverb of the lion waking up every day knowing it had to be faster than the zebra if it wanted to eat.  The zebra wakes up every morning knowing it must be faster than the lion if it wants to survive.  Much like the author of the first paragraph, I spent my formative years focusing on being “just fast enough.”  It wasn’t until one of my college professors challenged me to be more, that I understood what I was doing.  When you are constantly in survival mode, it is difficult to see the opportunities life affords us.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to consider whether you are a lion….or a zebra.  Most people are trying to be a little faster than the slowest zebra.  They are focused on avoiding danger and merely surviving things like budget cuts, distance learning, smaller enrollments, and a new teaching environment.  I don’t know about you, but I was not interested in merely surviving.  I wanted to thrive. And to do that, you have to be a lion.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Culture Strategist/Coach

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education