Are You Shark Bait?

A marine biologist placed a shark into a large holding tank and released some small bait fish into the same tank. Immediately the shark attacked and ate the smaller inhabitants. Next she divided the tank into two sections using a clear but strong Perspex partition. This formed a transparent barrier between the shark and its prey.

Unaware of the obstacle in its way, the shark again manoeuvred itself in readiness to consume its prey. This time, as the shark launched his attack, it slammed into the divider. Undeterred, the shark tried several more times whilst the bait fish swam around, safe behind the partition. After about an hour of persistent attempts, the shark gave up.

Over the next few weeks, this experiment was repeated several dozen times and the marine biologist noted that with each unsuccessful attempt, the shark got less aggressive. Eventually the shark got tired of hitting the divider and gave up altogether. The marine biologist then removed the divider, but the shark made no attempt to attack. You see, the shark was now trained to believe that it was not possible to reach its prey. The bait fish now swam wherever they wished, free from harm.

So what’s the lesson here:

When early attempts are unsuccessful, our mind constructs obstacles to future success – even when no ‘real’ barrier to our success actually exists. Let’s not let past setbacks prevent us from achieving our dreams.

Contact us today for more information about a Customised Personal and Professional Development Program.