IF and WHEN

IF and WHEN were friends. Every week they met and had lunch.

Their conversation usually cantered on all the things they were going

to achieve. They both had many dreams and they loved to talk about

them.

This particular Saturday when they met, WHEN sensed that IF was

not in a great mood. As usual they sat at the table reserved for them

and ordered their lunch. Once they placed their order, WHEN

questioned IF. "IF what is wrong with you? You don't seem your usual

cheery self?"

IF looked at WHEN and replied, "I'm not sure; I just don't feel like I am

making any progress. This last week I saw a course I wanted to take

if only I had the time to take it."

WHEN knew exactly how IF felt. "Yeah," replied WHEN, "I too saw a

course and I am going to register when I get enough money

together." WHEN then said, "well what about that new job you were

going to apply for. You were so excited about it last week, did you

apply?"

IF responded, "If my computer didn't break down last week, I would

have applied. But, my computer is not working, so I could not type my

resume."

"Don't worry about it IF, when you are ready another job will come

through. I have been thinking about looking for another job also, but I

will wait and when the weather gets nicer I will look then." WHEN then

went on to tell IF about his week, hoping that it would cheer him up a

bit.

The man at the next table couldn't help overhear WHEN and IF. They

both were talking about when this and if that, finally he couldn't take it

anymore. "Excuse me gentlemen," the man said. IF and WHEN both

looked at the man and wondered what he wanted. The man

continued, "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help hearing your conversation. I

think I know how you could solve your problems."

IF smiled and thought, how could a complete stranger know how to

solve all of their problems? If only he knew. When he realized the

challenges they faced there was no way he could solve their

problems! Curious, IF asked the gentleman, "How do you think you

can solve our problems?"

The gentleman smiled and said, "You only need listen to yourselves.

It reminds me of an old proverb:’ If and When were planted, and

Nothing grew'."

IF and WHEN looked puzzled. The gentleman smiled and said, "Start

counting how many times you use the words 'if' and 'when'. Rather

than thinking 'if and when', start doing, take action, stop talking about

'if and when'."

IF and WHEN both looked surprised, and suddenly realized that what

the gentleman had said was so true. Both of them were guilty of

thinking, acting and living their life for the "ifs and whens". The

gentleman left and IF and WHEN's conversation changed. They

made a pact that when they met for lunch next week, there would be

no "ifs and whens"; they would only talk about what they

accomplished!