In his book, “Essays In Rebellion,” written in 1913, author Henry W. Nevinson, makes an interesting observation about the process by which codfish were shipped to market so as to keep them fresh and desirable.

“Before the hustling days of ice and of “cutters” rushing to and fro between Billingsgate and our fleets of steam-trawlers on the Dogger Bank, most sailing trawlers and long-line fishing-boats were built with a large tank in their holds, through which the sea flowed freely. Dutch eel-boats are built so still, and along the quays of Amsterdam and Copenhagen you may see such tanks in fishing-boats of almost every kind. Our East Coast fishermen kept them chiefly for cod. They hoped thus to bring the fish fresh and good to market, for, unless they were overcrowded, the cod lived quite as contentedly in the tanks as in the open sea. But in one respect the fishermen were disappointed. They found that the fish arrived slack, flabby, and limp, though well fed and in apparent health.

Perplexity reigned (for the value of the catch was much diminished) until some fisherman of genius conjectured that the cod lived only too contentedly in those tanks and suffered from the atrophy of calm. The cod is by nature a lethargic, torpid, and plethoric creature, prone to inactivity, content to lie in comfort, swallowing all that comes, with cavernous mouth wide open, big enough to gulp its own body down if that could be. In the tanks the cod rotted at ease, rapidly deteriorating in their flesh. So, as a stimulating corrective, that genius among fishermen inserted one catfish into each of his tanks, and found that his cod came to market firm, brisk, and wholesome. Which result remained a mystery until his death, when the secret was published and a strange demand for catfish arose. For the catfish is the demon of the deep and keeps things lively.”

While there is some debate as to the realities of the codfish vs. catfish feud, there are still morals of the story which can be applied to life and leadership. In the story written by Henry W. Nevinson, catfish represent difficult people and difficult situations in our lives. Instead of seeing difficult people and situations as irritating distractions, we can choose to benefit from these difficulties.

Difficulties Can Refine Us

No one really enjoys challenges and difficulties. Difficulties are always untimely, distracting, and uncomfortable. Looking at it slightly differently, however, can assist in the refining process that difficulties have the potential to bring about in our lives. It may be that difficulties are coming our way at the right time, can help focus us instead of distracting us, and can move us out of our comfort zone where real growth occurs. The refining process for precious metals requires intense heat causing impurities to surface which allows the gold/silversmith to remove those impurities. For us, difficulties in our lives may reveal where personal development needs to occur.

Author, speaker, and trainer, Billy Cox said, “Life’s greatest challenges happen right before life’s greatest breakthroughs.”  

Difficulties Can Confine Us

Growth is inevitable, that is, unless we choose not to participate in the growth process. Just because everyone eventually grows into an adult, does not mean they choose to mature into one. Life’s difficulties bring about options for all who face those difficulties. Avoiding difficulties does not make them go away, avoiding them simply confines our way of thinking and stifles our growth as leaders.

It’s been said that running away from the problem only increases the distance from the solution.

Difficulties Can Define Us

The actions we take in dealing with difficulties will either refine us or confine us, ultimately, whichever course of action we choose, the results will define us. We can be defined as one who chooses to grow through difficulties or as one who is boxed in by them. Leaders must always be willing to go through the refining process, grow in personal and leadership development, and be defined as one who sees difficulties as opportunities.

“Problem-solving leaders have one thing in common: A faith that there’s always a better way.” – Gerald M. Weinberg

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