Green Eggs and Ham

Dr. Seuss books are classic reads, and we pick one up in our house quite often. Last night, one of my boys picked Green Eggs and Ham. As I sat on his bed reading, I heard a different message than normal. I have always read Green Eggs and Ham with the idea that you should try new things.

You do not like them.

So you say.

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

This message is true, and a needed one. Trying new things, new places, meeting new people are all essential to growing and becoming a better person. Almost everything significant that happens occurs because you are outside your comfort zone. I will always push people to the edge of their comfort zone, just as I did as a personal trainer. You cannot get stronger unless you lift heavier weights. You can’t meet new people unless you make yourself vulnerable and introduce yourself. You can’t find a new job without exploring the possibilities…

But last night was not about trying new things. My mind focused on Sam-I-am. I’ve never questioned why Sam had green eggs and ham… That probably needs more exploration later. Regardless of how he got them, Sam had something he liked, or knew was a good thing. But passing that good thing along didn’t happen easily. Sam got a lot of “No’s” in his quest to share green eggs and ham. Sam’s persistence paid off by the end of the book. The book ends with this passage from the protagonist:

I do so like

green eggs and ham!

Thank you!

Thank you,

Sam-I-am!

If you have found you like new things or have something to share, do you share it with persistence? Do you give up the first time someone says no? Do you sell a product, a service, an idea? Do you teach others knowledge or convey a message to others? What is your “green eggs and ham” that you have to share?

Last night, this simple yet profound book reminded me of the necessity of persistence. Most of us are not likely to succeed when we try something for the first time. The joy, success, and accomplishments we attain are tied to performing actions over and over again. Patience and persistence can be tough to hold onto and failure can be disheartening at times. Don’t let it stop you from reaching your goals. Pick up your platter of green eggs and ham and go share it, again and again.

Note: If you’ve never read Green Eggs and Ham, go pick up a copy! It is probably in the children’s section of your local book store or library, or buy a copy on Amazon. Sometimes, ‘beginner books’ have the simple and most profound messages in them.