Have you ever been to Puerto Rico? Well, I have been blessed and privileged enough to have been born in that incredibly beautiful and unique Caribbean island (not that I'm biased or anything!). Among all the unique and unparalleled things you can find down here, there's a tiny little frog, no bigger than a quarter full-grown, called the "Coquí". Well, this tiny frog is special in many ways. Aside from its size and beautiful color, it has the most amazing song, actually, its name comes from the sound it makes. But, there's a lot more to this amphibian than meets the eye.
Bare with me here. I know you didn't come on here to read about a tiny frog. After all, if that was what you wanted to learn about you would have logged onto the "Animal Channel." The REAL purpose of this article is to talk about entrepreneurial mindset, and finding your "why," meaning the reason behind your ambitions. So, what does that have to do with the "Coquí"?
Well, the most unique aspect of the "Coquí" is that this incredible amphibian cannot survive if it removed from the island of Puerto Rico. I don't mean that if it is removed from the Caribbean or its time zone. I mean that this froggy dies the second it leaves Puerto Rican territory! Have you ever heard of such devotion?
A few nights ago, I was sitting at home, working away. Suddenly, I heard the clear, crisp sound of the Coquí's song. That got me to thinking about what it is that makes the "Coquí" so set on Puerto Rico or nothing. I mean, this piece of earth is so incredibly important to the "Coquí" that its very existence is inherently connected to it. Then, I asked myself if there was anything in my life that was THAT essential to me. What is it, if anything, that if removed from my life would render it non-existent? See, it is imperative for all entrepreneurs to find that thing, that essence, that mystery, which changes their "beingness" from mere existence to actually LIVING. It is THAT which constitutes our "Why".
Without a "Why," those late nights trying to get ahead, and turn a dream into a reality would not be worthwhile. Without a "Why," there would be no real drive or determination. Without a "Why", setbacks would be cause for surrender and tiredness would be an excuse for mediocrity. Without a clear and strong "Why" there is no real courage, rhyme or reason. Without a "Why", there would be only dreamers and no real achievers.
As I listened to the song of the "Coquí", all these thoughts raced through my mind and I wondered if I was clear on my "Why". Was I harboring the right kinds of thoughts to attract the right kind of results? Was I focusing on the correct goal and reason for striving? Was I just looking to satisfy some ridiculous vanity, or was I really aiming at something bigger?
I spent some time listening to the "Coquí", then I went back inside. I peeked into each of my daughter's bedrooms. They looked like peaceful angels, sound asleep. I gently stroke their heads, and pulled up their covers. I said a quick silent prayer for each of them. Then, I realized, as I sat back at my computer to finish the work from which I had paused to take in all these musings, that I have probably the biggest "Why" any human being can have. I strive, I push ,myself, I do not quit, because I will be here for my girls every day, I will provide them with the kind of lifestyle they deserve, I will demonstrate for them the fact that there are no impossibilities, and that working on your dreams is always a good investment. Aside from God, they are my biggest reason for success. For THEM I do not quit. For THEM I am building a real future. For, THEM, like the "Coquí", I sing a song of joy!
