Turtle on a Fence Post
Turtle on a Fence Post
Appreciating Those Who've Lifted Us Up
“We all need someone to lift us onto the fence post of life; it's the shared support that makes the view worthwhile.”
Turtle on a Fence Post
Chasing Influence: Transformational Coaching to Build Champions for Life
The world’s oldest living land animal is a giant tortoise named Jonathan. Estimated to have been born in 1832, last December, he celebrated his 191st birthday. Jonathan was born before the invention of the telephone or lightbulb and just after the first photograph. Living on the remote island of St. Helena, the geriatric turtle has lived through 40 U.S. presidents!
Turtles are remarkable. Beyond their longevity, they are adaptable and resilient. They range from tiny specimens to colossal tortoises, thrive in diverse climates, and can endure extreme conditions. Turtles have an incredible ability to survive without water or food, adapting to challenges. The North American desert turtle can survive a year without water!
Despite their impressive attributes, turtles face a significant limitation—they cannot climb or fly. This gives the story of a turtle perched on a fence post an interesting start.
Widely used to illustrate the importance of support, encouragement, and acknowledging those who contribute to our success, the moral of the story is that if you see a turtle on a fence post, you can be certain it didn't get there on its own. Someone had to have lifted it there. The story’s purpose is to get us to reflect on the support we receive in our lives.
This raises an important question for each of us: Who has supported us on our journey? Who lifted us up onto our fence post? We most certainly didn’t get there alone. The impossibility of a turtle reaching elevated heights encourages us to reflect on the support we receive in our own lives. None of us achieves success alone. We are lifted by the hands of those who believe in us, encourage us, and stand by our side. Take the time to acknowledge and express gratitude to those who have been your fence posts of support. And, who are you hoisting up on a fence post?
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.”
- Isaac Newton
Connecting this quote to the story. Personal growth and achievements are often made possible by the support, guidance, and wisdom of those who came before us, like the turtle on the fence post needing a helping hand to reach new heights.
This week’s Chasing Influence tip: Everyone needs continual practice to hone leadership skills—no matter their current abilities or level of leadership.
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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©Troy Urdahl, 2024