The sage’s parable carries a profound lesson about ambition, decision-making, and appreciating the journey of life. It highlights the common human tendency to chase perfection while ignoring the value of the present. The story’s moral serves as a guide not just for personal development, but also for leadership and career growth.

The Allure of Instant Success

In today’s world, many aspire to reach the pinnacle of success quickly. There’s a pervasive belief that one can leapfrog the journey and land directly at the top. The culture of immediate gratification—fueled by social media, overnight success stories, and flashy achievements—makes this temptation even stronger.

This mindset leads to frustration when results do not match expectations. People abandon opportunities that seem “too small” or “unworthy” of their time. Leaders might overlook building a strong foundation, focusing instead on immediate visibility or acclaim. Careers are left unfulfilled because of constant job-hopping in search of the “perfect role.” Relationships suffer as individuals prioritize idealized futures over present realities.

As author and business strategist Jim Collins puts it, “Good is the enemy of great”—but the reverse is also true. Chasing perfection often blinds us to the good that could lead to greatness.

The Consequences of Chasing Only the Ideal

Relentlessly chasing what appears to be the best can lead to dissatisfaction and regret. In leadership, this manifests as ignoring the growth of junior team members because they are not “top talent” yet. It may mean skipping essential groundwork for strategic plans, only to see the effort fail later. Similarly, in personal lives, it results in neglecting meaningful moments while waiting for extraordinary experiences.

Imagine a young professional rejecting job offers because they don’t align with their dream title or salary. Years later, they might find themselves lagging behind peers who steadily built their careers by starting small and learning the ropes.

Leaders, too, can fall into this trap. An executive who focuses only on high-profile projects might miss the chance to nurture talent, foster culture, or strengthen processes—activities that yield long-term value. In their pursuit of bigger achievements, they risk losing credibility and trust.

The regret of “what could have been” is a heavy burden. Like the young man in the story, many find themselves at the end of a journey without anything to show for it because they were never willing to commit to the opportunities that were within reach.

The Missed Opportunity

Consider the story of a tech entrepreneur who repeatedly turned down funding offers for their start-up. They held out for a “perfect” deal that never materialized. Meanwhile, competitors with fewer resources but greater urgency moved ahead and captured the market. The entrepreneur later lamented their inability to act when smaller, achievable steps were within their grasp.

Similarly, in personal finance, individuals often delay saving for retirement because initial contributions seem insignificant. Yet, compounding teaches us that the earlier you start, the greater the rewards. The same applies to skills development or health—waiting for the “perfect” time to act often leads to lost years.

Embrace the Small Steps and Early Opportunities

The sage’s wisdom teaches us that growth is incremental and that the best opportunities often appear at the start. Success is built brick by brick, and each step along the way has its purpose. By embracing the present and fully committing to the opportunities before us, we can build a strong foundation for long-term success.

1. Appreciate the Present

Recognize the value of where you are right now. Opportunities may not always come with glittering labels, but they carry the potential for growth and learning. A junior role might prepare you for future leadership. A small project might teach you skills essential for larger challenges. Every step matters.

As Helen Keller once said,

“Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.”

This does not mean settling for mediocrity. It means fully engaging with the moment while aspiring for growth. When leaders value each member’s contribution or see potential in a seemingly minor task, they create ripples of positive impact that strengthen the whole.

2. Adopt Patience and Discipline

Great achievements require time and perseverance. Instead of rushing through the journey, focus on the process. Patience allows you to learn deeply, while discipline ensures consistency. Both are critical for sustainable success.

Take the example of elite athletes. Their achievements on the global stage are a result of years of rigorous training, often starting with small local competitions. Without building stamina, discipline, and resilience early on, no one achieves excellence. The same applies to careers and personal goals.

3. Commit to Decisions

Once you’ve made a choice, give it your all. Avoid second-guessing or constantly looking for better alternatives. Committing to a decision enables focus, growth, and mastery.

In leadership, commitment can take the form of investing in team development rather than seeking immediate results. For individuals, it might mean staying in a role to build expertise, even when tempted by seemingly better offers elsewhere.

4. Application to Leadership and Life

In leadership, embracing the smaller steps often means nurturing and developing talent within the team. A leader who values the contributions of junior team members inspires loyalty and builds long-term capabilities. They don’t just chase large, visible wins—they focus on sustainable impact.

On a personal level, this philosophy helps individuals appreciate their current circumstances, no matter how humble. It fosters contentment and builds resilience, two critical attributes for navigating life’s challenges.

5. Expanded Insights: Overcoming FOMO

The fear of missing out (FOMO) plays a significant role in our reluctance to commit to opportunities. We hesitate to pick a “rose” because we believe something better is just around the corner. However, this mindset often leads to paralysis or poor decision-making.

To combat FOMO, consider adopting a practice of gratitude. Reflect daily on what is going well in your current situation. Gratitude shifts focus from scarcity to abundance, helping you see the value in what you have rather than longing for what you don’t.

A Case Study in Leadership

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is a leader who exemplifies the value of incremental growth. When he took over the company, Microsoft faced challenges in competing with emerging tech giants. Instead of attempting sweeping, high-profile changes, Nadella focused on reshaping the culture from within. By emphasizing collaboration and a growth mindset, he created a foundation for sustained innovation.

Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft rediscovered its ability to adapt and thrive in a changing landscape. His story reminds us that leadership is not about seeking quick wins but about fostering resilience and long-term growth.

“Success is not a peak to conquer but a path to walk, and every step shapes the summit.”

Reflections and Action

Reflections

1. Think about a recent opportunity you dismissed. Was it because it didn’t seem grand enough?
2. Reflect on a time when focusing on the present brought unexpected rewards. How did that shape your path?

Actionable Steps

1. Write down three small actions you can take today to move closer to a long-term goal. Start with what is achievable now.
2. Identify one overlooked area in your personal or professional life where you can invest time and effort. Commit to it for the next 30 days.

The young man’s lesson from the sage applies universally. Life’s garden may offer many beautiful roses, but those who hesitate or constantly seek perfection often end up with nothing. Success comes to those who plant seeds, nurture growth, and cherish every step of the journey.