Inspirational Story:
Here is an inspirational or instructional story about two brothers who choose to travel on different roads. The point of the story is to illustrate the role that goals play in our lives. Or at least one of the roles.
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This story was originally told in the book, Live a Happier, Fuller Life. It illustrates one of the benefits of breaking a large target down into doable goals. The benefits are that they have milestones or markers to help you know you are on track, to help you celebrate along the way, to remind you of the end goal, and to help you feel like you are making progress.
STORY: The Two Merchants and The Two Roads
Mateo and Theodore sat down at a table in the corner of the inn.
“I’ve completely filled my wagon,” Mateo said to his brother Theodore as he dipped his bread in the stew.
“I know,” replied Theodore, “This is the biggest haul I’ve ever done. I wish I had two wagons. The merchant ships coming in are filled with goods from Tarkus. And I hear we are the only traders headed to Galtreal this season. We’ll have so much business. It’ll be amazing.”
“What road are you taking?” asked Mateo with his mouth full of food.
“The high road, of course. You’re not thinking of taking the low road, are you?” asked Theodore after washing his food down with his mug of ale.
“Of course I am. I can get there a day earlier,” replied Mateo.
Theodore paused eating and looked at his brother with concern and said, “Mateo, you know old man Winkon told us there isn’t a difference at all in the distance between the two roads, and the entire journey is over two months. The low road has no discernable landmarks, it’s lonely, and you can’t even see the sky through the canopy of the trees. While the high road passes four villages and you can see landmarks all along the route. Besides, what difference is one day going to make on such a long journey?”
“Well, I’ve already decided,” said Mateo.
“Fine,” replied Theodore, “but you might get lost. All you’ve got is your compass and your sextant, which is worthless because you can’t see the stars.”
The two brothers set out together the very next morning. Both men had the same destination in mind and both men were capable travelers. At the first fork in the road, Mateo turned to the low road and Theodore turned to the high road.
“See you in Galtreal,” said Theodore as they parted. As he traveled, he could tell by the landmarks, the villages, and the stars in the sky exactly where he was on his journey. He enjoyed the journey and was even able to get to know many of the villagers along the way. Some even bought a few of his items.
Mateo, on the other hand, initially felt he was making good progress, but couldn’t be sure. He had no landmarks as all the trees looked the same. There were no villages or other travelers. And he couldn’t even look at the stars in the sky most nights due to the thick canopy of trees. He knew he was traveling in the correct direction but was not sure he was making progress. Mateo knew where he wanted to go, but the destination felt so far off. He began to get discouraged. “I think I might be lost,” Mateo worried to himself, “I only have enough provisions to make a journey back home if I turn back now,” he soon reasoned. On the 55th day of his journey, Mateo decided it was better to head back than to risk getting further lost. He turned his wagon around and headed home.
Two weeks after Mateo returned home, Theodore also returned.
“Where have you been, my brother,” said Theodore as he spotted Mateo selling his wares in his street stall. “I was worried that something had happened to you.” The two men embraced.
“You were right,” said Mateo, “I had no way of knowing where I was on my journey or whether I was even on the right road or lost.”
“You were on the right road, Mateo,” said Theodore. “I could spot smoke from your fire most nights as you set up camp. The last time I could see your fire, you were only a day’s journey from our destination. When I arrived at Galtreal and didn’t see you, I became worried. I sold my goods quickly and headed back home with plenty of provisions. I took the low road to see if I could find you. I am glad to see you here and in good health.”
The two men laughed at Mateo’s unfortunate turn of events and began to plan their next journey together. This time they would travel together on the high road.
End of Story
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