A father on his deathbed gave a watch to his son. “Here’s a watch your grandfather gave me,” he stated. “It’s nearly 200 years previous. Go to the jewellery retailer and see how a lot they give you.”
The son went to the jewellery retailer, got here again to his father, and stated: “They supplied $100 as a result of it’s so previous.” The daddy stated, “Nicely, strive the pawnshop.”
The son got here again later and stated, “The pawnshop supplied solely $20 as a result of it has a scratch.”
The daddy then requested his son to go to the museum and present them the watch.
The son silently questioned his father’s judgment, however nonetheless, prepared to behave on his final needs, he went to the museum. When he got here again, he stated to his father: “The curator supplied me $375,000 to incorporate this very uncommon piece of their treasured vintage assortment.”
The daddy responded: “I wished to point out you that the fitting place will worth you in the fitting method. Do not end up within the incorrect place and get offended as a result of you aren’t valued. By no means keep in a spot the place somebody would not see your worth, or you do not really feel appreciated.”
I share this recommendation with my very own kids and grandchildren, individuals whom I mentor and anybody who’s questioning what to do subsequent with their lives. As this season’s crop of graduates ventures forth into maturity, it is one thing to bear in mind.
I really feel so strongly about it that I wrote a e-book, “You Have not Hit Your Peak But,” crammed with encouraging examples of what may be doable if you acquire your confidence and take stock of your expertise and talents.
We will all use a lift in our self-confidence or self-worth often. Recently, I am sensing this much more with the state of our nation and the economic system. Even the good ones want a pat on the again in some unspecified time in the future.
We would really feel that we’re nugatory, however it doesn’t matter what has occurred or what is going to occur, we’ll by no means lose our price. Do not ever neglect it.
It’s cheap to count on that the majority adults will do their finest to do the fitting factor. And that has taken on a brand new significance on the planet we dwell in, the place our phrases and deeds are sometimes topic to cameras and shared on-line for the world to see.
However having a longtime worth system goes past that — it takes the guesswork out. As a result of you will have already thought of the way you need to dwell and be perceived, your responses and reactions can typically be computerized.
Newly minted graduates, the ink barely dry on their diplomas, are beginning careers and hoping their educations have ready them for the challenges forward. Will they know their worth — and their values — as they transfer into the work world and face questions that they’ve by no means needed to reply?
Are job hunters of all ages, flaunting years of expertise and the battle scars to show it, ready to defend their values in a brand new atmosphere?
And on the opposite finish of the spectrum, will those that are making ready for retirement after years of each gorgeous achievements and utter disappointment notice the worth they dropped at their workplaces and the individuals they labored with?
Your worth can’t be calculated solely in {dollars} or job titles or awards. Your worth, and your values, matter to these round you.
Mackay’s Ethical: Keep true to your values and your worth will shine by way of.
Harvey Mackay is a Minneapolis businessman. Contact him at 612-378-6202 or e-mail [email protected]
