Dear Richard,
Li Bai (§õ¥Õ) is the greatest poet ever in Chinese history. However, he had a terrible school life when he was young. He was very smart but impatient and easily felt bored on his schoolwork.
One day, Li Bai ran away from school and went to the jungle nearby. He saw an old woman rolling an iron rod against a stone slab. Her action was consistent and hard, having no sign of tiring. He asked the old woman, 'What are you doing?' The old woman replied,'Young man, I am making a needle.' Li Bai was very surprised. Without waiting for Li Bai's further questions, the old woman continued, 'You must think that I am ridiculous. But, if I keep rolling every day and there will be a day that this iron rod would become a needle. Young man, it is the same for learning. It looks hard and boring. But, if you keep learning and practicing consistently, you could be a very useful person.' Li Bai was very moved by her words. He found a direction for his study.
Richard, do you like this story? I bet that you can get an idea from it.
With love, Dad