There are many proverbs that get passed down from generation to generation. Proverbs have originated from all over the world and some popular proverbs are traced back to the Greeks in the 5th century BC. Most proverbs are stated in 10 words or less, however they prove to pack quite a punch when it comes to words of wisdom. Some of my favorites date back centuries; however they are just as relevant today as they were when they were first coined. Here's a sampling to ponder:
Honesty is the best policy
Knowledge is power
Where there's a will there's a way
It is never too late to learn
No pain, no gain
It is the first step that is difficult
Actions speak louder than words
United we stand, divided we fall
Birds of a feather flock together
A man is known by the company he keeps
When the cat's away, the mice will play
You never miss the water till the well runs dry
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched
A fool and his money are soon parted
He that cannot obey cannot command
Most of the above were drilled into me as a child. My parents always found proverbs as an effective way to teach their kids and I must say that their strategy worked. The proof of that is the fact that I am writing about their teachings, five decades later.
Although I have many favorites, the one proverb that Mom and Dad used most is "The Early Bird Catches The Worm." I don't think a week went by in my life, that I wasn't reminded about the early bird strategy. And my parents surely practiced what they preached "DAILY," when it came to being early birds in every instance.
They awakened way before they needed to every day. They never seemed to be in a rush, because they didn't need to. In fact they lived this proverb out so well during their lives, that by osmosis I could not help but become an early bird myself. In fact as a card carrying member of the "Alliance of Early Birds," (fictitious of course), I always had a difficult time wondering why anyone wouldn't willfully and gladly join this Alliance. The benefits are like having a platinum card to life's best choices.
Leaving for work early during my entire career, has always whisked me through the highways and avoided countless hours of aggravation and traffic jams on the roads. Being one of the first to show up at my office always rewarded me with a calm way to start my day – without rushing and allowing me quality time to plan and be totally prepared for the highest level of productivity and effectiveness daily. Being early and first to show up, also gave me the incentive to leave right on time and feeling great about it. No one can ever dispute the fairness of the first to arrive to work being entitled to be the first to leave – right on time after a productive and effective day.
However the early bird strategy plays out daily in just about anything you do. If you don't want to miss a flight - get there early! If you want the best selection when something you really want is on sale at a fantastic price, get to the store early! If you want a seat in church on Easter Sunday when all the irregulars show up for mass, get there early! And of course everyone knows about having a great meal at a discounted price by taking advantage of the "Early Bird Specials!" Fifteen or twenty minutes can make a huge difference in your dinner check!
Being an early bird has created so many advantages throughout my life that I believe I could write a complete book about the benefits, just from my own experiences. It's not all about getting the best choices or saving the most money. Being an early bird improves your self esteem and enhances your quality of life. It instills discipline into your lifestyle and reduces stress. It helps you capitalize on tremendous opportunities that are strictly reserved for "early birds only." As one of my favorite proverbs states – It is never too late to learn. Convert today and start catching those worms!