The Little Engine That Could, Could be You

In recent months I’ve been reminded of a childhood book we all remember, and remember with fondness. The Little Engine That Could is a children’s book, published in 1930 and written by Watty Piper. In recalling this tale I am reminded of a more recent adult self-help book by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten. Don’t hit, don’t fight, be nice, share, listen to your teacher, etc.

And we also learned, or should have learned, to try hard and to help others. Few books teach this lesson with such clarity as this little children’s book. I recommend you click on the link below and refresh your memory of the old story.

Watty Piper’s 1930 “The Little Engine That Could” – Print Magazine.

I continue to represent AdvoCare Health/Nutrition/Weight Loss products while continually saying to myself and my wife, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…” And we’re chugging up that mountain and as in that story we’re slowly going faster and faster.

In the story the toy train‘s engine breaks down and strands the toys and nutritious food intended for the children on the other side of the mountain. The toy clown asks for help to get the train and its toys over the mountain to the children. But nobody will help.

And think about who these big arrogant train engines represent. The Shiny New Engine might be the bank that turns down your home refi. The Big Strong Engine might be your boss that turns down your raise AND asks you to work extra hours away from your kids. The Rusty Old Engine might be your parents who look at your Multi-Level-Marketing or Direct Sales company and say, isn’t that nice while they turn away and provide no referrals, help or encouragement.

The little blue engine is you; anonymously doing your work around the train station. You’re moving train cars from one place to another. You’ve never been over the mountain. But you could…if you tried.

No if you’re going to get that train over the mountain, you’re going to have to do it yourself. We’re going to have to do it ourselves. And…I think I can…I think I can…I think I can. As we chug chug chug along it gets easier. There is no question you, we, can make it up that mountain and get over to the other side to help people who need us. But we can’t do it if we stop; if we give up.

Chug chug chug your way to the top. Then you can coast alllllll the way down the mountain, all the way saying happily, “I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could…”

Robert Fulgham was right.

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