A famous Sufi master was invited to give a course in California.

The auditorium was full at 8AM – the time announced – when one of the assistants came onto the stage.

“The master is just waking up. Please be patient.”

Time passed, and people started leaving the room.

At midday, the assistant returned to the stage, saying that the master would be starting the lecture the minute he finished talking to a pretty girl he had just met.

Most of the remaining audience left.

At 4PM the master appeared – apparently drunk.

This time, all but 6 people stormed out.

“I will teach you this,” said the master, ceasing to act drunk.

“Whoever wishes to go down a long path, must learn that the first lesson is to overcome early disappointments.”

(Source: http://paulocoelhoblog.com/)