When the British first introduced the game of golf to India, after building their first golf course, they discovered a problem with the natural environment. The indigenous monkeys around the course were fascinated by the little white balls. They began to steal the balls, disrupting the games. The British tried all manner of methods to solve the problem of monkeys interfering with play. They built fences, but the monkeys simply climbed over them. They made loud noises, but they eventually learned to ignore them. Finally, after all else failed, the British solved the problem by changing the rules of the game. The new rule they added was: “Play the ball wherever the monkey drops it.” So, if the monkey dropped the ball next to the hole, you played it there. If they carried it into the rough, you played it there. The monkeys were treated as a natural hazard to the game. There’s a kernel of wisdom at the heart of this story. In life, problems, breakdowns, detours, storms, and bad luck will often interfere with our work and plans. There are so many unpredictable factors and events that the one constant we can definitely count on is problems and challenges. We can certainly do our best to avoid the pitfalls and potholes we can potentially encounter. Machines can be maintained and refurbished, plans can be made, we can engage in training and study to improve our skills, but the monkeys will always find ways through and create more problems. Sure, preparation can slow their progress, but ultimately, we will all have to deal with unexpected issues regularly. In the end, the best any of us can do is learn to play the ball where the monkey drops it. This may seem fatalistic, but there is value in recognizing that when problems arise it makes sense to simply deal with them and do our best to learn. It’s easy and sometimes satisfying to complain about the situations we face. It’s also natural to call the world unfair and wish the ball was in a better spot. However, none of those approaches will actually move the ball or help you learn from the situation you are facing. It may not be fun to deal with challenges, but there is often opportunity and advantage in difficulty. The hard times I’ve experienced in my marriage and family have made me a better husband and father, because I have worked to be better as I faced them. My first car was a lemon, which forced me to learn to fix breakdowns. Some of the best people I know have lived very difficult lives, but learned compassion, wisdom, and tenacity through the rough patches. Playing the ball where the monkey drops it can make you better at life if you see problems as opportunities. Again, I’m not going to say that any of these things are fun or that we shouldn’t plan or prepare to avoid them, but they can be valuable. It starts with seeing the challenges as just another part of the game.
