Appreciate yourself — you are actually better than you think

Author: China Business Press
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features:
Undeniably, you must have flaws. But it's not your fault—God does not create perfect people, for only God is perfect. Don't always think you are good for nothing; everyone is a unique creation of God. We must recognize the truths of this world; only those who face the world with blinders believe it is flawless. Cherish this world, and more importantly, cherish yourself.
Excerpt:
Multiple sources contribute to personal success. In just eight years, Peter opened 16 home improvement center franchises in a large city. He sold a wide variety of home improvement products and offered the same services to contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. Peter was highly successful. Dr. Schwartz had met him in business circles twice before but had never had the chance to speak with him in depth until they both attended an investment seminar and had lunch together. The doctor jokingly asked Peter why he was still attending the seminar, as everyone knew he was already wealthy. Peter smiled and replied, "I think the reason I'm here is the same as yours—you want to learn how to make more money!" (The doctor noted that those attending seminars or discussions on how to make more money were usually already firmly on the path to success. Those who truly needed the information often hesitated to invest their energy in useful resources for fear of being ridiculed.)
During lunch, the doctor asked Peter how he had established this series of highly successful home improvement stores, as everyone knew the industry was extremely competitive and had a high failure rate. Peter replied, "It's a long story, almost unbelievable, but I can summarize it for you."
"When I was in high school, my teacher asked our class to choose a quote from a former U.S. president and write an essay explaining its relevance to our daily lives. If applied to life, how would it help us achieve success?"
"I read many quotes from presidents and, finally, I stumbled upon one that had a profound impact on me from a certain perspective. It was a quote from President John F. Kennedy at his inauguration. Kennedy said, 'Therefore, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.'"
Peter continued, "For months, whenever I had free time, I kept thinking about Kennedy's words. I tried to understand the relationship between individuals and the nation that this quote implied. It meant that people should not expect the government to provide them with relief, welfare, or subsidies. Instead, they should help the government by being good citizens, starting their own businesses, and being ready to respond to patriotic calls."
"As I reflected on Kennedy's words, they struck a chord with my weaknesses. For example, during football games, I was more interested in having my teammates help me win than in helping them score. I also realized that I always put my own interests ahead of those of my family or classmates."
"Kennedy's words completely changed my perspective on 'how' to achieve success. In my youth, I was taught, 'Help yourself, and heaven will help you.' But what I learned now was deeper and wiser: 'Heaven helps those who help others.' I applied the idea of 'giving more to others, and they will give more to you' to everything related to my business."
"What happened as a result?" the doctor asked.
"Just one thing: in all my transactions, I never sold anything to customers for less than its actual value, and as a rule, we also provided them with some tools for free," Peter said. "You should know that we need customers far more than customers need us. The idea of 'what we can do for customers' guided every strategy we had."
"I learned to apply this mindset to things beyond business. In my family relationships, I focused on what I should do for my family, not what they should do for me. I applied the same principle in church, with business clients, and in all my personal relationships. I never acted like a boss in front of my branch managers or their subordinates. I was their coach, and I tried to help them in every way possible, financially and economically."
Later in the seminar, the doctor asked Peter, "Applying Kennedy's principle has created miracles for you. But why don't more people apply it?"
Note: Peter's response: "I don't understand either. I think most people in the business world don't realize that this idea of giving and receiving is not just a theory—it is a very practical and actionable principle."