Three Challenges - A Parable Story for Motivation

 

Are You Mentally Strong?

Wait. Before you answer that question, listen to this story.

In a peaceful village surrounded by nature’s calm, there once lived a legendary wrestling master. He was famous across the land for his unique techniques and unmatched skills. But for the past ten years, he hadn’t taught anyone—not a single student. Many tried to learn from him—princes, the wealthy, and hopeful youth from his own village. But he rejected them all without explanation.

Then, one day, the master made a decision. He would teach again—but not just anyone. He would choose only a few, and those few had to be strong in body and mind. Word spread quickly, and soon a hundred eager participants gathered before him. The master announced that only those who passed a series of challenges over three days would be accepted as his students.

The first challenge began the next morning. The master took them to a riverbank filled with large, round stones. Each person was told to pick a stone and walk around the entire village carrying it. If they returned before sunset, they would pass to the next round. Some picked smaller stones and quickly began their journey—about fifty of them. The others hesitated; they had chosen heavier stones and asked to swap for lighter ones. But the master refused. “You must carry the one you chose,” he said.

Frustrated, many protested that it was unfair—some had it easier. But the master stayed silent. Most of them gave up and left. Only ten individuals accepted their heavy burdens and began the long walk. Despite the difficulty, all ten completed the task by sunset. Along with the fifty who finished with smaller stones, sixty people remained.

The second day brought a new challenge. Each participant stood before two horses—one tame, one wild. The master explained: if they chose and rode the tame horse around the village, they would earn 10 points. But if they rode the wild horse and completed the circuit, they would earn 100 points. It was a test of risk and reward.

Some chose the tame horse and finished easily. Others attempted the wild horse but failed. Only ten dared to try the wild horse first, struggled, and then switched to the tame horse to complete the challenge. That evening, the master made an unexpected announcement. Those who only rode the easy horse were disqualified. Those who tried the wild one and gave up were also eliminated. Only those who attempted the harder task first and then adapted wisely were allowed to move forward.

On the third and final day, the remaining ten stood ready. But instead of a challenge, the master surprised them by saying, “There are changes in the plan. I will announce the final test tomorrow.” Disappointed and annoyed, three of them left. But the remaining seven remained calm. “That’s alright, Guru,” they said. “We’ll wait.”

The master looked at them and asked, “Aren’t you angry? Don’t you feel this is unfair, uncertain, frustrating?” They smiled and replied, “Guru, this competition was never about winning. It was about discovering mental strength.”

They went on to explain what they had learned. The world is not fair—everyone starts differently, but the journey must still be walked. Life always presents two types of situations—those we can control, and those we cannot. Wisdom lies in trying the hard path first but knowing when to shift to a more manageable one. And finally, change is the only constant in life. Only those who can accept and adapt to change will survive and grow.

Hearing this, the master was deeply moved. He saw in them not just strength, but true wisdom. He welcomed them as his students.

To all of us hearing this story today, remember: Mental strength comes from three things—continuing your path even when life is unfair, knowing when to let go of what you can’t control, and accepting change with grace. Master these, and your life will flourish. Small changes lead to big victories. Stay strong. Stay grounded. And always keep growing.