From the annals of Greek mythology:

There lived a young boy called Milo who wanted to become a wrestler.

Milo trained his little hiney off.  And his training methods were unconventional, to say the least.

Each day, he’d carry a young calf around on his shoulders.

At first, the calf was small and light.  Just like Milo.  

But the calf grew heavier, as calves do.  And Milo kept up his regime.

Day after day, Milo’s biceps blossomed and his six-pack swelled as the calf grew heavier.

And over time, the calf grew into a bull. 

But Milo didn’t stop. 

He swanned around in the Greek sun with the bull on his shoulders, lapping up the attention of his adoring fans.

Milo went on to become a fearsome Greek wrestler and six time Olympic champion (so the story goes).

Now, there are lots of takeaways here about hard work, dedication and consistency.

But there’s another angle which is interesting too.  An angle which Milo showcased perfectly.

Which is this:

Growth is part of life.  It happens all around us.  And there may be ways we can use this to our advantage.

How exactly?

Find someone or something which is already growing.  Then join them.

Shamelessly ride on their coattails while you continue to put in the work.  And see if you can leverage this "growth factor" for your own ends.

It’s not an uncommon idea.  And it goes well beyond calves and bulls.

For instance, Jamie Foxx used this tactic at the start of his acting career.  He spotted the rising success of Eddie Murphy and found opportunities to join Eddie’s projects. 

E.L. James used this idea too.  She repurposed her writing when she noticed the growing popularity of fan fiction.  Her Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy went on to sell over 150 million copies.

Maybe you can use this tactic as well.

Have you spotted a rising star at work?  Someone you know is going places?  It might pay to get a bit closer to that person.

Got an inkling that a certain sector or trend is growing?  If so, can you align yourself to this more closely?  Through your job, a side hustle or a business?

Bottom line:

If you can spot something that’s growing anyway, you might be able to use this to your benefit.

After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.

Catch you tomorrow.

- Tom

p.s. Whenever you're ready, here are the ways you can connect with me