There was a certain man who used to work as a doorman at the worst place in town. Was this man able to do anything else?
The fact is, he had never learned to read or write. One day, there was a change in managers; a young man full of ideas was brought in and he decided to modernize the facility. The porter then spoke to the man, saying:
“Starting from today, you will have an additional task to complete. You will need to prepare a weekly report in which you will record the amount of people coming in and their comments about the services.”
“I’d love to do that sir, but I cannot read or write.”
“Ah! Sorry! If you cannot do this simple task you will not be able to work here anymore.”
The doorman felt as if his world had collapsed. “And now, what am I going to do?”
he thought to himself. After taking some time out to think, he recalled that, when one of his chairs and table had broken, he had managed to fix them. He then decided that this indeed might be a good way to bring in some income.
The man decided to use some money to buy a complete toolbox. As the town had no hardware store, he would have to travel two days on a donkey to get to the next town to make the purchases. And so he went.
On his return, a neighbor bought from him a hammer he had picked up and also paid for his trip. Other neighbors bought from him a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, another hammer and a chisel, since they did not have time to travel as he had done.
The news began to spread throughout the village and many, wanting to spare themselves the trip, placed orders for tools. They would all say the same thing: “I just don’t have time to travel to shop.”
One day he remembered a friend who was a blacksmith and turner, who he believed could also make hammers and other tools. Soon, he had sorted out a manufacturer for the screwdrivers, pliers, chisels etc. He even started making nails and screws…
In a few years, he became a very rich and prosperous toolmaker. So one day he decided to make some donations to a local school so that students, besides reading and writing, would also learn some trade.
On the opening day of school, the mayor handed him the city keys, hugged him and said:
“It is with great pride and gratitude that we ask that you Valentin, Valentin Tramontina, to speak a few words to our students…”
Remember what they say about water: ‘Water never stops with its obstacles, but the skirts’ and ‘If someone closes a door, do not waste energy with confrontation, seek out the windows.’
http://pricardo.com/2013/04/13/how-do-you-see-your-problems.html?fb_source=pubv1
