One Page Ahead
By Michael Port
My great Aunt Elly (my father’s aunt) past away this week at 97 years young. Her passing represents the end of an era in my family. And if the following story doesn’t encourage and inspire you, I don’t know what will. As told by one of the family…
“Elly seemed to take on any new endeavor with the energy and enthusiasm of a teenager. As we age, many of us become fearful of change and new challenges; let this ‘Elly story’ inspire you:
Apparently she wasn’t very good at math as a kid. So, when her Principal asked her to teach Algebra (and she was in her 70’s at the time) she wasn’t sure she was up to the job. I don’t think she even considered saying ‘no’, she rose to the challenge, went to her supermarket and found a tutor whose name was posted on the bulletin board. She told Allan and I that she would keep 1 lesson ahead of her class.”
Just one lesson ahead. I’ve been saying this for years now. Maybe it runs in the family. But if you’re hesitant or fearful of doing new things, big things, then just focus on staying one lesson ahead of the people you serve.
If you’re interested you can read Elly’s obituary in The New York Times. 
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Great story. Thanks for sharing.
Your Aunt’s “one lesson ahead” stategy reminds of what my boss told me many years ago when I was overwhelmed with the magnitude of new project I was assigned.
He said, “. . . there is only one way to eat an elephant. And that is to eat it one bite at a time . . . start eating.”
Mike
I like your Great Aunt Elly. Thanks for providing a such a positive spin on the experience of being one lesson ahead. I will carry those images forward. I’m afraid the “Eating the Elephant” imagery reminds me of when my mother forced us to eat tongue. Yuck! Which just goes to show how unique we are.