The cricket with short legs must start digging early, for the long-legged crickets will arrive soon. - Igbo Proverb • African Wise Quote

“ The cricket with short legs must start digging early, for the long-legged crickets will arrive soon. ” - Igbo African Proverb -

Quote Interpretations:

• Those who are disadvantaged in some way must work harder and be more proactive in order to compete with others who have an advantage. In other words, persistence and extra effort are the key ingredients to success, and it is not always about having the most resources or advantages. For example, imagine a group project where one team member has less experience or resources than the others. In order to contribute meaningfully, they must start working on their part of the project earlier and put in extra effort to catch up with their teammates.

• Those who face obstacles or challenges in life must be proactive and innovative in finding solutions. Just like the cricket with short legs must dig deeper into the ground to find food, individuals who face hardships must be resourceful and find ways to overcome them. For instance, someone from a disadvantaged background may need to work harder and be more creative in order to achieve success than someone who comes from a privileged upbringing.

• Those who lack natural talents must learn to develop other strengths or skills. The cricket with short legs may not be able to run as fast as the longer-legged crickets, but it can excel in other areas such as digging or maneuvering through tight spaces. Similarly, individuals who lack certain abilities must focus on honing their unique talents in order to stand out and succeed. For example, a student who struggles with academics may excel in sports or the arts, allowing them to shine in a different area.

• The cricket with short legs may seem at a disadvantage compared to the longer-legged crickets, but its determination and hard work could ultimately lead to success. Just like in sports or competitions, where the seemingly weaker opponent surprises everyone by outworking and outperforming their competitors. In essence, everyone has the potential to succeed, regardless of their initial circumstances, as long as they are willing to put in the effort and start early.

- TemQBS’ Food for Thought • Motivation