Friday, May 22, 2009

A Simple Twist

A young clerk who worked for a department store had an idea for a store that would sell only items costing a dime or less. The clerk approached his boss and asked him to invest in his plan, but the boss dismissed the idea as being too risky. "There aren't enough items to sell for five to ten cents, he told the clerk.

The young man opened his own store without his boss' help. Eventually, F.W. Woolworth's stores stretched across the nation, and his former boss commented, "As far as I can figure out, each word I used to to turn to Woolworth down cost me a million dollars."

Studies of older Americans have shown that those who take risks are the healthiest, live the longest, and remain in the best of spirits. Extreme risk taking has its own hazards, of course, but a moderate level of risk taking is crucial to emotional and physical health. Too much self-protection can hinder our growth.

He that would catch fish, must venture his bait.
-Ben Franklin
Shawie

8 Grateful Heart's Words:

Warren Baldwin said...

Great story! I used to shop at Woolworth when I was a kid. It is nice to know the background to it.

I posted a short article on marriage on my Family Fountain. I can't remember if it is from the article you already read or not.

I am enjoying the stories you write about here.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Before a risk is taken, a vision must be present to see clearly what we strive to accomplish. Without a vision, risk would be foolhardy. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.

Secondary Roads said...

As my German-speaking ancestors would have said,
"Ve grow so shoon old,
und so late shmart."

Jena Isle said...

Short but motivating story. Now, I'm tempted to go ahead with my plans.lol..

It's like the story of KFC. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Great story! Who knows what will happen if you take a risk, but you will never know unless you take it!

es said...

i like the saying in the last part.:)

thanks for sharing sha. nice entry!

Alicia said...

There's a poem I really like about taking risks: a couple of lines I remember from it are
"To love is to risk not being loved in return, to laugh is to risk appearing the fool, to live is to risk dying, but risks must be taken..."
I can't remember exactly how it goes but your post reminded me of that.

Salute said...

Everyday life is filled w/risks and I too heared that those who take risks are the ones most happier in the long run.