Adapted from the age-old story about "The rebirth of the eagle"
Have you ever wondered what sets an eagle apart from other birds?
The Eagle is the strongest and most majestic of all birds. You are an Eagle. Read on to discover 5 unique qualities of the eagle, and how you can apply these traits to life in recovery, and life in general.
#1 - Eagles fly with eagles
Eagles don’t fly with sparrows, ravens, or other small birds. Eagles stay away from narrow-minded people, those that bring you down. Eagles fly with Eagles. Surround yourself with others that help you soar above the clouds during the storms. Choose mentors based on your goals, work closely with peers and colleagues who motivate and lift you up. Healthy competition and teamwork foster happiness.
#2 - Eagles are laser-focused
Eagles have the ability to focus on something as far as 5km away. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not shift focus from its prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what challenges arise, and you will succeed. It has been proven that individuals who set their own goals and track them stay more focused than those who don’t. Set personal goals that are aligned with your values and beliefs and you will remain motivated.
#3 - Eagles do not eat dead things
In short, leave the past where it belongs - in the past. Do not rely on past successes, keep looking for new frontiers to conquer. Keep learning new things and accept new challenges. Don’t think about the mistakes that you have done in the past. Focus on your new objectives in order to give your best performance and move into the future.
#4 - Eagles embrace the storm
When clouds gather, the eagle gets excited. Eagles use the storms winds to lift itself higher. This gives the eagle an opportunity to glide and rest its wings. In the meantime, all the other birds hide in the branches of the trees. Face challenges head on. These experiences encourage growth. Embrace the challenges, and you will come out on the other side with newfound strength & knowledge. We can use the storms of life to rise to greater heights. Achievers are not afraid to rise to greater heights. Achievers are not afraid of challenges, rather they relish them and use them. A lot will be asked of you, and it will take you out of your comfort zone and into the storms of life – this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Accept new challenges every day and take time to mentor others so that they rise along with you.
#5 - Eagles venture outside their comfort zone
Eagle parents remove the feathers and soft grass in the nest so that the young ones get uncomfortable in preparation for flying. When it becomes unbearable to stay in the nest, the young eagle eventually takes the leap over the edge and learns to fly. Leave your comfort zone. Staying inside your comfort zone inhibits growth. Don’t shy away from difficulties. Accept the challenges and perservere. Motivate yourself and others to perform well in challenging situations. Don’t lose sight of your ambitions and passions. Remember your goals, your core values, and your beliefs. Then energize and inspire.
#6 - Eagles seek restoration & transformation
When the eagle grows old, its feathers become weak and cannot take him as fast or high as it once could. The result of this weakness could end up in death. Instead of continuing to fly in this state, he retires to a place far away in the mountains. While there, he plucks out the weak feathers on his body, gnashing its beak and talons against the rocks until he is completely bare; a very bloody and painful process. Then he stays in this hiding place until he has grown new feathers, new beak and new talons, before rventuring out and soaring higher than before. Shed the old habits that burden you and add no value to your life. Leave your old habits behind and embrace new ones. There are times in your life that you must look back and take stock of your life - reflecting on the good and the bad experiences you have been through. Once you reflect, begin making the changes you need to, recommit to yourself and move forward. Discipline = Freedom.