The Parable of the Two Waves
Perspective has a way of changing how we experience the same moment in business and life. Here’s one of my favorite parables to make the point.
Two waves – one big, one small – hurtled toward land.
Only one panicked.
The little wave became more afraid as it moved closer to the shore.
It saw the other waves ahead crashing against the rocks, turning into white foam.
“It’s over for me, I’m done,” the little wave sighed.
A bigger wave replied, “Think of yourself not as a wave, but as water. You will return to the ocean.”
That water will return, ready to pick up more force and movement than before. They each had the exact same horizon and conditions. Just a different perspective.
The moral of the parable is that perspective doesn’t necessarily change the situation. It simply alters how we experience what’s happening and what we believe is possible.
Big-wave thinking.
Onwards!
About The Author
Chris Chaia is the founder of Onwards Consulting, an executive coaching and strategic marketing consulting firm, serving leaders and organizations navigating growth and change. She is also the architect and publisher of The Business of Coaching 2025, a global research study on the practices, habits and behaviors of coaching entrepreneurs.
