You Reap What You Sow

I received the following story from a business colleague I've known for about 15 years. While he and I have some different political views. We have some fundamental beliefs that will always keep us communicating and perhaps even doing business later. I'd love to hear your opinion of this story...

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The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

"Think Different"

Do you remember the old Apple advertising campaign "Think Different"? Maybe you'll remember when you see it...




Does this bring back any memories for you? It certainly does for me.

I remember a time when I felt that I could really make a difference in the world. And so it was with high hopes, high energy and a shipload of hope, I entered the workforce. But, somewhere along the way, I got sidetracked. Did you?

Well it's not too late...



What do you think? Are you ready to begin again? Are you ready to make a difference? Are you ready to become the person you were meant to be?

Join me!

Patience

- Do not be desirous of having things done quickly.
- Do not look at small advantages.
- Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.
- Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.


Confucius
(551 B.C. - 479 B.C.)

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I am re-publishing this quotation because I think it speaks to how we should approach the coming year.

We all know that our country is in a "crisis of confidence" (to quote Jimmy Carter in 1976): consumer optimism is the lowest it's been in 50 years (source: MarketWatch) and there appears to be another big hit to take place in the real estate market place. (See my blog post from 12/16)

It will be very easy for us to "hunker down" and focus on "tiny victories" on a "day-to-day" basis. But I'd like to offer a different opinion. I remember a time in my career that I focused completely on "doing whatever it takes" to be financially successful; making phone calls, searching for new products/services, preparing competitive reports, prospecting for new vendors.

In fact, I remember hearing and living by the adage, "it's all a numbers game". According to popular goal achieving gurus, you can reward yourself each day after achieving your daily goal of cold calls, presentations or visits.

Well, I'm not so sure that works. 2500 years ago Confucius understood this. By focusing so closely on the day-to-day stuff, we lose our vigilance for the big picture; we prevent oursevles from doing our job thoroughly. We need to work together to get out of the collective situation in which we find ourselves. And it will take a LOT of work and lots of patience.

As we look toward 2009, in the light of our culture's prediliction for immediate results, I hope that you begin the year with a large picture and vision for your life and the lives of those for whom you care.

Have a safe and peaceful New Year!

Jim