The Last Train to Nesbyen
When belief shows up, doors open
“Belief creates the fact.”
— William James
The Last Train to Nesbyen
My father is a storyteller—not the kind who spins campfire yarns, but the kind who pours his heart into preserving history. He’s written books tracing our family back 175 years, to when our ancestors left Norway and settled in the farmland where I grew up.
Through his research, he even discovered distant relatives still living in Norway—separated by generations and an ocean, but connected by blood and story.
When my wife and I planned a trip to Norway, we decided to experience “Norway in a Nutshell,” an incredible journey through fjord country by train, bus, and boat. Before we left, my dad made an unusual request.
He asked me to carry one of his books across the Atlantic to deliver to a relative in Nesbyen, a small town tucked in the mountains.
Mind you, we packed only carry-on luggage. Space was precious. But he insisted this connection mattered. He had already told her I’d be on the last train of the day—with her book.
As the train wound through the countryside, I convinced myself this mission was impossible. A tiny town. A quick 30-second stop. A stranger I had never met. I thought: “There’s no way … “
When we pulled into Nesbyen, the platform looked deserted. From my seat near the back, I saw no one. That was enough for me—I was ready to stay put.
But a Canadian couple we’d befriended on the journey insisted I at least look. Reluctantly, I stepped to the doorway as the doors opened.
Nothing to the right.
Then I looked left—and there she was. A single figure in the fading light, running toward me. I raised the book in my hand. She saw it and ran faster. Two family members, separated by generations and geography, connected in a heartbeat by trust, belief, and the simple act of showing up.
The train doors closed. We pulled away. I sat back down, stunned.
By any measure, it shouldn’t have worked. But it did—because my father believed it would, and his relative believed I’d be there. Their shared belief transcended my doubt.
That moment reminded me of something I’ve learned time and again: the biggest barrier between us and our opportunities isn’t logistics—it’s our own assumptions.
We talk ourselves out of raising our hands:
They’re too busy.
I’m not qualified.
What if I look foolish?
But what if they said yes? What if the very thing you think is impossible is already waiting for you—if only you’d step to the door?
Where are you talking yourself out of an opportunity because it seems too complicated, unlikely, or small?
What would you attempt if you believed someone would be waiting at the station?
Your juice—the energy of belief and follow-through—creates conditions for extraordinary things to happen.
Will you stay in your seat, or will you step to the door?
“Commitment is staying true to what you said you would do long after the mood you said it in has left you.”
— Inky Johnson
Connecting this quote to the story. My Norwegian relative both followed through on their commitment to show up—long after the excitement of making the promise had passed—belief backed by consistency creates real connection.
This week’s Chasing Influence tip: Courageous leadership begins with the simple act of keeping your word.
If you enjoyed this story, a series of three Chasing Influence workbooks is available. Stories are accompanied by discussion questions and answers. Each workbook contains 33 lessons to use with any team.
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