The prefect of a French department,
visited hospital very often. One day he was in the office with the mother
superior when a young nun entered and on seeing the prefect started to
leave.
�Come in, sister,� said the prefect. �What�s your name?�
�Sister Leocadia.�
�In what section do you work?�
�In the contagious ward.�
�Poor sister,� said the prefect. �No doubt you take precautions to avoid
being infected . I suppose you use gloves.�
�No, sir, I just use my hands and after the treatment I wash them with plain
water.�
�Poor sister! You will catch the disease. Ask me for any favour and it will
be granted.�
�Well, sir, I am unhappy and there is something you can do for me. In my
ward there are only twenty-five contagious patients and I can handle fifty.�
The prefect was dumbfounded. Later he was heard mumbling, �I offered a nun
whatever she wanted, and she asked for more contagious patients!�
* *
*
The key to any achievement is to
start using the present. Plan, Prepare, and Proceed. Don�t wait for sudden
inspiration or enlightenment. When it happens�and if it happens�use it to
your advantage. But don�t wait for it, start NOW!
Many a great man became great in his
field of work because he kept at his work with a regularity that demanded
tremendous discipline. If you spend time regretting the past or worrying
about the future, remember�you are allowing the present to slip away.
�Rajendra Pillai
