Sensible Advice

The Woodman’s Mistake – a Valuable Lesson

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The Woodsman’s Mistake

Here is a story teaching a very important lesson for all of us. As far as I can recall, the story is in the book “THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE” by Stephen R Covey. Here is the story in my own words with a bit of artistic license.

There was once a woodsman who lived in a small village surrounded by a thick forest. He made a living sawing up logs and selling the pieces as firewood.

One morning the woodsman was sawing a large pile of logs when a passerby stopped and said: “Wow, that is a huge pile of logs. It will take you ages to saw it all up into firewood.”

“Yes”, said the sweating woodsman, wiping his brow. “The problem is my saw is very blunt.”

Trying to be as diplomatic as possible the passerby said: “In the village there is a person who sharpens saws. Why don’t you get your saw sharpened? Then, you will be able to saw much more quickly.”

The panting woodsman replied: “I just don’t have the time!”

Wow!

The lesson? Obvious, isn’t it? When faced with a task we must take the time to make sure we have the right tools. This not only refers to physical tools like pliers and screwdrivers. It includes mental tools. It might mean attending training courses like learning how to type faster or invest wisely.”

Whatever the challenge you are facing, don’t make the woodsman’s mistake!

Attribution: Possibly “THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE” by Stephen R Covey. Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/43uiih0
Affiliate means I get a commission, but you don’t pay a cent more!
Thank you.

Attribution: Possibly “THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE” by Stephen R Covey. Buy it here. Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/43uiih0

Affiliate means I get commission, but you don’t pay a cent more!

Being unfairly used? Feeling trapped? Watch the video and then listen to the podcast below the video.

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Do you sometimes feel like this trapped dassie?

Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: How to stop being unfairly used. https://anchor.fm/john-bartels/episodes/How-to-stop-being-unfairly-used-e21sbe5

To find out what happened to the trapped dassie, click here.

Action Produces Information

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Listen to the most recent episode of my podcast: Action produces information https://anchor.fm/john-bartels/episodes/Action-produces-information-e206lte

Throw Away Lines are Dangerous

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An AI Q&A Please scroll to end

jecbster@gmail.com

What is a throw away line?

A throwaway line is a comment or statement that is made in a casual, offhand manner and considered unimportant or insignificant. It is often used to transition to a different topic or to make a quick point without elaborating on it.

jecbster@gmail.com

Why is it dangerous?

A throwaway line can be dangerous because it can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. It can also be used to downplay important issues or dismiss someone’s thoughts or feelings, which can be hurtful and damaging to relationships. In some cases, throwaway lines can be used to spread false or misleading information, which can cause harm to individuals or society as a whole. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the words we use and the impact they may have on others.

JB: If you are forced into using a throwaway line, do not make a general statement like “All lions are dangerous”. Rather say “Some lions are dangerous”.

The Owl and the Rabbits: The Golden Rule*

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Once upon a time, there was a wise old owl named Mary who lived in Richmond Park in London. One day, Mary gathered the rabbit family and explained to them the importance of the “golden rule.”

Mary told them that the golden rule is a principle that says “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.” She said that this is important because it means being kind, respectful, and fair to others.

She also added that when we treat others the way we would like to be treated, it makes everyone feel good and happy. And when we don’t follow the golden rule, it can cause problems and fights.

The rabbits listened to Mary and they understood the importance of following the golden rule. They realized that by treating others with kindness and respect, they could make the whole community a better and happier place. From that day on, the rabbits always followed the golden rule and lived in peace and harmony with the other animals in Richmond Park.

*Story created by AI with iteration

The Owl and the Rabbits: Sour Grapes*

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Please scroll below pictures for the story.

Once upon a time, there was a wise old owl named Mary who lived in a big park called Richmond Park in London. One day, Mary gathered the rabbit family and told them a story about a fox who wanted to eat some grapes but couldn’t reach them. He got mad and said “those grapes are probably sour anyway.”

Mary explained that this story is about when you want something but can’t have it and then make an excuse for not getting it. She told the rabbits that it’s important to be happy with what you have and not to compare yourself to others. She encouraged the rabbits to be grateful for what they have and not to always focus on what they don’t have.

The rabbits listened to Mary and they learned a valuable lesson. They realized that it’s better to be happy with what you have than to always want more. From that day on, the rabbits were happy and content with what they had and Mary the wise owl was always there to guide them and tell them stories that taught them valuable lessons.

* AI Generated with iteration

Are you a prisoner?

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Is there a person who you constantly and obsessively want to please? Take care. You may have become their prisoner.

Photo: Hasan Almasi

Theology: A Very Sensible Box

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Do we trust God and at the same time have many unanswered questions about Him and how He works? Leslie Weatherhead offers us some very sensible advice: Leave those questions in a box marked: “Awaiting Further Light.”

Sensible advice indeed, for “now we see through a glass darkly….” (1 Cor. 13,12)

The late Leslie D Weatherhead C.B.E. M. A. PhD. D. Litt. D. D. was Minister at the City Temple, London. He was President of the Methodist Conference and Hon. Chaplain to Her late Majesty’s Forces .He is the author of many books including “The Christian Agnostic”, where the above advise is recorded.

Danger: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

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Don’t judge a Statute by a fair sounding name given to it by the body that enacts it. This is because the name of a Statute may be no more than a statement of intent designed to get public approval. The choice of name may be a ploy to conceal a hidden agenda. Don’t be fooled. The name could be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Rather judge the Statute by the results it produces. Results are all that count.

Dangerous cliffs

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Stepping outside your area of expertise is as dangerous as stepping off a cliff.

The metaphor is from Dr. Thomas Sowell