There are times when we wake up…
When we think back at events in our lives, perhaps very small events, we can think of times when “we got it.”
Life can be a trip down a dark lane, corridor, or hall way at times. None of us understand what’s on the other side of the door because, to use that old cliché, “we’ve never been this way before.” We are afraid to go down the hallway or open the door.
Remember some of those times when you finally got it from a teacher, friend, family member, boss, young, old, etc. You woke up to a small truth that helped you in your life. I remember in high school taking a bookkeeping course and finally learning perhaps a simple concept for some. A teacher that I really didn’t like (he was a very unkind person) said to me: “You’re just now getting that concept.” Looking back that’s OK though because I went farther in accounting and understand more about it than he ever would. I remember a boss (hard-nosed but smart) that taught me a concept that was a real eye opener in my career. I saw a video of him the other day on the Internet far away geographically. I haven’t seen him for years but as I suspected he might end up even more successful than he already was and it appears that he has. I felt good about his success even though we have long since passed in the night.
There are many truths that we learn along the way. Things that we often apply on the journey that may seem profound to someone with less experience. We appreciate those who were willing to share a small insight that has helped us along the way.
I must admit, several of those insights came from people I didn’t like and some of those people hardly anyone liked because they had a reputation for being tough (even mean). However, after looking objectively at what they were saying the realization came to me that they were right and it greatly helped me.
Don’t overlook good advise just because you don’t like where it’s coming from. They are doing you a favor and perhaps going out of their way to do it. In fact, it may be the information sticks (makes a big impression) because you don’t like the person. Also, they could leave you setting in the dark. That’s what someone you might think as a friend or nice person, who really doesn’t care about you, might do.
Wouldn’t it be great if we took the time to pass on some things we’ve learned along the way and do it in a nice way. People would still appreciate the insight and like us because we are a kind person. Either way (kind or not) it’s to our personal benefit. Wake up and listen to good advise! Learn from the competition, enemies, etc.
