Tag and Thank

Six contestants in a greenhouse were vying for $500,000 to start their own business. “This is the final test,” the speaker announced. “Everyone please choose any one of the flowers in pots. You will take the flower home and return with it in 14 days.” The first contestant grabbed the rose, then someone snatched up the tulips, then the lilacs. One contestant was mesmerized by the single tiny leaf in the flower pot between the beautiful white orchids and the pink carnation. She slowly took it up after someone sized the orchids. The last contestant took up the carnation. 14 days later they returned with their beautiful flowers. The speaker said after inspecting each flower, “the winner of $500,000 to start their own business is the magnolia.”

Someone shouted, “but there was no magnolia here to choose from!”

“Oh yes,” the speaker said, “And here it is,” he held up the pot.

“That wasn’t there when we were choosing!” someone protested. The speaker gave them a replay of two weeks ago.

“Oh my god!” they all said in unison.

“You see,” he continued, “You all chose something someone had already built. The winner chose to build something.” Our choices make or break us. Tag and thank your choice or influence today, whoever or whatever they are.