Mindset story: 4 words that get you through the emotional highs and lows

Once upon a time, there was Freddie, a wise leader who in spite of his great wisdom often struggled with emotional highs and lows. Freddie was prone to periods of great elation where he would make very poor decisions, and periods of great despair where he would get extremely upset.

One of his associates, Mara was her name, designed and forged a simple ring for Freddie to wear at all times. In her mind, this was an ingenious device that would help stop him from getting lost in his high and low moments.

Freddie asked, “How does it work?” “Wear the ring with you always. In times when you need it most, it will show you the answer and you will know what to do,” replied the Mari.

Almost immediately, another associate showed up saying that the company they both worked for had just lost a lot of money. Everything seemed dark and hopeless, just when at the end of the day, after many phone calls, the tired Freddie looked at his new gift, the ring. Engraved on the ring was an illuminated message four simple words which he had not seen before: “This too shall pass.”

All of a sudden, Freddie found new hope, courage and a burst of renewed energy. He went home and surrendered to a good night’s sleep.

The day after, an unexpected phone call led to a couple of meetings and the eventual signing of a new contract that not only brought back the money lost but much more.  Elated, Freddie called all his partners and associates, employees and clients and threw a massive celebration for many days. Just when he was losing himself in the midst of the great celebration, Freddie touched the ring and felt the engraving. The four simple words which he had noticed just a few days earlier, “This too shall pass.”