The legend of the koi isn’t well know.
As it’s told, a school of koi swam upstream through China’s Yellow River. They worked together, against the current, until they came upon a waterfall called the Dragon Gate.
Upon seeing the obstacle, many koi turned away, unwilling to tackle the challenge. The rest remained, jumping with all their might in an attempt to reach the river above.
But their efforts brought more struggle.
Nearby demons heard the koi’s splashing and came to mock them. They raised the waterfall to discourage them from succeeding. Decades passed and, one by one, the koi became disheartened, floating away with the others...
Until only one koi remained.
After 100 years the of trying, this single koi gathered all his strength and leaped over the waterfall, into the river above, where the gods transformed him into the most magnificent creature in Chinese culture, a golden dragon, as his reward. To this day, he flies in all his glory above the water, gathering wisdom, content with a life well lived.
The meaning of this fantastical legend is all too obvious.
It tells the story of persistence in the face of challenge, effort in the face of adversity, and unfailing determination.
But it also speaks to staying true to oneself. Of always believing in yourself, of always swimming toward your purpose.
It reminds me of a quote I first heard from Brian Roberts:
“Only do what only you can do.”
Like the koi who became a golden dragon, when you do what only you can do, you differentiate yourself from the crowd. When you focus your strengths towards your purpose, you overcome challenges others cannot.
So, today, remember the legend of the koi—take that one thing that only you can do and use it to overcome the obstacles you face. You may not transform into the legendary golden dragon, but the strength and focus you find in your purpose will help you crest the next Dragon Gate you encounter, whenever and wherever that may be.