I Think I Can: Timeless Takeaways from The Little Engine That Could

This week I became encouraged and inspired after reading the classic children’s book, The Little Engine That Could, to my daughter. The story begins with a “Happy Train” carrying toys, food, and candy to children on the other side of the mountain. Suddenly, the Happy Train’s engine stops and is unable to move again. The “Funny Little Clown” who is riding on the Happy Train sees a “Shiny New Engine” and asks it if can help pull the Happy Train over the mountain. The Shiny New Engine refuses the clown’s request and explains that it only carries important people and would not be caught carrying the items on the Happy Train. The toys become sad; however, the clown is undeterred. The clown sees a “Big Engine” and makes the same request. The Big Engine Train refuses and explains that it just pulled books and magazines for adults and the items on the Happy Train are not important. After hearing this, the toys become “very sad”; but the clown does not give up and flags down a “Rusty Engine”.  The Rusty Engine refuses and says that it is too old and tired to pull the Happy Train.

The toys are now “very, very, sad”; however, the clown is relentless. The clown sees a “Little Blue Engine” and asks if it can help. The Little Blue Engine responds that it is not very big and has never been over a mountain. However, the Little Blue Engine has compassion for the toys and the mission of delivering the goods to the children and agrees to pull the Happy Train. As the Little Blue Engine pulls the Happy Train, it says repeatedly “I Think I Can” and gains momentum for the journey over the mountain.  The Little Blue Engine gains confidence afterwards and thinks: “I thought I could. I thought I could . . .”

Although this book is written for children, it instills three valuable lessons in children and adults.

1.       Adversity is inevitable.

You will encounter individuals or circumstances that will attempt to discourage you from achieving your goals. Some people who have the knowledge and skills to help you will not provide assistance. Circumstances in your life such as illness, doubt, accidents, death of a loved one, or extra assignments at your job will attempt to derail your plans for working towards your goals. You may even complain and/or shed tears due to the adversity. However, you can’t give up.

2.       Believe that you can achieve.

The first step to becoming successful is having a mindset that nurtures a positive outcome. You can develop this mindset by receiving mentorship from someone who has experienced success in the area that you desire, reading biographies of successful people who have overcome adversities, or listening to podcasts that focus on self-development.

3.       Persistence wins.

If the clown let the “no” from the three other engines stop him, the toys and food would not have been delivered to the children. You have gifts and talents that are ready to be delivered to the world. To make a powerful impact, you can’t let others disbelief or limited mindset stop you.