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Catching Monkeys in Business

As a business coach, when I recognize that my clients are at an impasse, sometimes I ask them this question:

"How do you catch a monkey?"

Usually, they are perplexed by the question. The last person I asked shot back with:

"What the heck, does that have to do with anything?"

But I pressed on:

"Stick with me, because I am going somewhere."

Here's the deal. In certain parts of Africa when they want to catch a monkey, they cut a hole in a coconut, empty it out, and put a few grains of rice inside. Then they tie the coconut to a tree...and wait. After a while, a monkey comes along and spots the coconut. He looks around checking for hunters or prying eyes. When it's safe, he picks up the coconut, looks at it, shakes it, and hears something rattling inside. As a notoriously curious animal, not unlike human beings, he reaches in-the hole is just big enough for him to squeeze his hand into-he feels the few grains of rice, and tries to grab them. Got 'em! He clenches the rice in his fist and tries to pull out his hand... and then a strange thing happens. He can't get his fist out. It's stuck! All he has to do is let go of the rice and he is free...but no way will that monkey let go.

"So...what...?"

Brendan Cunningham has authored the following articles for EzineArticles.com which features original works by expert authors and writers.

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Taking care of your business can be a great stress reducer and contribute to your overall state of health.

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