Who remembers this quote "You were a big fish in a small pond, but this here is the ocean and you're drownin'. Take my advice, go back to Puddleville; you'll be happy there.", said by Amos Calloway in the 2003 fantasy comedy-drama film Big Fish?
It's been almost 20 years since I've first seen this story play out on the tv-screen and though the fantasy of the patriarch Edward intertwined with the real events were sometimes confusing, the lesson learned I remember fondly. Believe it or not, it's one that we could all use at least once in our lives, especially when standing before life changing decisions.
I realize that this movie has different themes and that the one that I had taken away from watching it probably wasn't a main theme, but it's the one that stuck. All because of recognizing the value in this. Let me elaborate, Edward used to tell his son William fantastical stories, about his adventures with a giant, a werewolf and the sorts, which seemed so over the top and unbelievable, that William didn't believe his father.
It was only until Edward lay on his death bed, that William believed his fathers stories and noticed where Edward had exaggerated his characters (friends he made on the road as a salesman) at Edwards funeral, seeing all of the faces he came to know from his fathers stories. It became evident that Edward was indeed a big fish in a small pond (small town), who didn't let that deter him from seeing and exploring the world beyond.
So when mentees turn to me with questions of whether to take the next big step in their life or career - that could alter their life completely - I ask them this "Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in the ocean?" It's not for me to decide, answer or judge the decision, but to only help in coming to a conclusion that is the best fit for that person.
