The deaf frog, inspiring lessons

As an instructor, I used various short stories I learned over the years to impart wisdom to my students. One story I shared to several classes and as a guest speaker for the graduating class of the Department of Defense’s basic public affairs course in 2016 was the tale about the deaf frog.

It goes something like this!

#storytime

In the heart of a dense forest, a group of frogs embarked on a daunting journey. They aimed to reach the peak of a towering cliff. Locals deemed it impossible, but gathered to see the frogs compete.

As the frogs climbed, the words from below rained on them. “It’s impossible,” said one local! “You’ll never make it,” said another.

The frogs heard their discouraging words. Yet, they persisted. However, as they continued their ascent, one by one, the frogs started to give up, burdened by the doubts echoing from below.

But, there was one frog, oblivious to the naysayers. It kept climbing, with determination, until reaching its peak. When it finally did, the other frogs discovered something: the frog was deaf.

It did not hear any discouragement.

It had only believed in its goal and persevered.

You can find the full story here: https://www.shortstoriesforkids.net/short-stories/the-story-of-the-deaf-frog/

The story gives many valuable lessons. The most obvious is to be deaf to the world around you, but here are four more lessons I learned from this tale:

1. Perspective: Sometimes, what seems like a limitation can be a blessing in disguise. The deaf frog’s inability to hear became its strength. We all have perceived “weaknesses” that, when looked at from another angle, can be our greatest assets.

2. Self-Belief: If you believe you can, you’re halfway there. The deaf frog wasn’t influenced by external opinions, relying solely on its inner drive. Having a strong belief in oneself can help overcome many obstacles.

3. Guard Your Mind: Just as we watch what we eat, we must be careful of what we feed our minds. Negative comments or thoughts of discouragement can derail even the most ambitious dreams. Surrounding yourself with positivity, using positive affirmation, and uplifting thoughts is crucial to our success.

4. Everyone is unique: What works for one may not work for another. The deaf frog’s path was distinctly it’s own. Instead of comparing or conforming, understand our journey is different from everyone else, recognizing that it might be the very thing that leads us to the peak.

Life will present challenges, and we all encounter naysayers, but with the right mindset, we can all reach our goals. #bedeaf #be+ #littlebylittle