Beyond The Last Blow

The last stroke of the hammer breaks the stone. But that does not mean the strokes before it failed. Each contributed to the breaking, making possible what the final stroke visibly accomplished.

We often confuse the moment of breakthrough with the whole effort that produced it. We applaud the final stroke because we see the stone break; we overlook the earlier blows because their progress remained unseen.

Consider a relay race. The final runner crosses the finish line, but the victory belongs to the team. Every lap run well, every baton passed cleanly, and every advantage preserved helps make that winning finish possible.

So it is in organisations and in life. Behind the person receiving the applause are others whose preparation, persistence and quiet contributions helped make the achievement possible. Their absence from the spotlight does not diminish their share in the success.

Victory may have a visible face, but it has many unseen hands.

Celebrate the final stroke. Honour every stroke that made it count.