Ping: A Frog in Search of a New Pond

Ping is an amusing and enlightening story that reveals profound truths about how to deal with change in your work and in your life In this simple parable Ping is a frog in search of a new pond who confronts his "stuckness," and overcomes his fear by discovering and welcoming the power of change. The lesson from this witty and endearing read is that change is ultimately about taking action and control of our own destiny. It is something that we all have the power to do. The question is, "Will we?" The story of Ping is a tale of empowerment. That empowerment is a gift we can give to our selves, not something that is bestowed by others. At 90 pages this book is a life manual that should be part of every curriculum. As a business enhancement it is inspiring. If you are in management of a company that goes through changes, you need not only to read this, but give it to your employees too.

I loved this book for it's postive motovational message and lessons that one can apply to their career and life. The story follows a frog named Ping who is forced to find a new pond when the one that has offered him security for so long has dried up. The journey he takes is inspirational and teaches us that despite great obsticales our goals are always within reach if we would learn to reach within. Like Who Moved My Cheese, Ping is a book that will be enjoyed by recent graduates and seasoned business professionals.

After reading "Ping," it is apparent that Stuart Avery Gold's work stands tall amidst the current crop of success strategy writers. It's such a pleasure to read Gold's singularly important voice. This book is a quick read, but the thoughts and morals of its story can serve the success hungry dreamer for a lifetime. I'm so very happy that I've read it. The story is about "Ping," one of nature's most inelegant creatures -- a lowly pond frog. But Ping's natural ability to jump and leap is unrivaled amongst his fellow ponders. Until one day his environment changes dramatically -- the pond begins to dry up. And Ping's leaping talents are compromised. What should he do? Continue to stay where he's grown comfortable, in the now thickening mud? Or should he venture boldly forth, to find a place where his talents can once again be used and where he can undoubtedly be happier? How Ping manages to break free from his stagnant prison of sameness and inertia and search out a better life is truly inspiring. The challenges that the little frog faces and the lessons that he learns are inherent in any successful life journey. And at 128 pages, Gold's impressive economy of words and his inimitable writing style is so potent and long-lasting that no one who reads it can be unaffected. Stuart Avery Gold is an original philosopher. If you really are intent on changing your life for the better -- buy, read, and learn from this book.

I enjoyed the story and it's easy to read style with the not in your face push to do whats best for yourself. Ponder, consider, act..... a thought provoking read.

If you enjoyed "Who Moved My Cheese?" you'll love "Ping: A Frog In Search of a New Pond." Ping is about a frog who loves to jump and spash around but whose pond dries up. Ping sets out to find a new pond. But he's foiled by the dense forest. Avery writes: "He felt defeated and disheartened, a sad, inept creature, doomed to a miserable life with no possibility for tomorrow, and that, quite simply was that. ...Who was he to think he possessed the abilities to get what he wanted out of life? ...it's probably safe to say there are limits to what a frog's psyche can endure...." Just as he was most dejected, Ping meets a wise old owl who teaches him about life. Owl helps prepare Ping for a dangerous journey across Spat River. According to Owl, beyond Splat River is Emperor's Garden, a frog paradise. Owl advises, "If the path you travel has no obstacles, it leads nowhere." (Oh, yeah, great advice coming from a bird). Owl says, "Too many wait for just the right time and just the right place to act. The very act of waiting actually pushes the desired events away. You must do in order to be." Owl then gives Ping a crash course in risk analysis. "Owl explained that in order to experience wonder you have to experience the taking of risks. Risk converts opportunity into reality." Then, it gets a bit weird. Owl puts Ping on a serious Rocky-type exercise regimen to get him into shape for swimming Splat River. Ping hangs from a tree with one pound rocks between his toes. And, of course, Ping does plenty of jumping jacks. Eventually, Ping is ready to brave Splat River. Avery surprises us with a twist in the ending. Ping is a well-written and clever book. It's illustrated with cute drawings of Ping. My favorite shows Ping sitting in a yoga-meditation position on a tree stump. This book is a great inspirational gift idea for the holidays.