Ihad a guest speaker, Mick Anderson, visit my Introduction to Business class this semester to talk to the students about financial planning and wealth management. What I didn't realize about his speech was that he was about to coin a phrase that resonated loudly in the classroom. Mick described people who had "won the lottery of life." People like Taylor Swift, Peyton Manning, Justin Beiber, and other famous celebrities and athletes. These stars have accumulated great wealth by using their talent whether it be singing, dancing, or playing football. And as a result- they hit the lottery. Their income from their talent will continue to pay them now and well into the future.
But here is the reality. We all will not hit the lottery of life. Many of us will work great jobs and make a good decent wage. But lottery numbers? Hardly.
The point in Mick's message was simple. We have to play our own numbers whatever they are. If you are a $35,000, $55,000, or $100,000 a year income provider- then make those numbers work for you.
Will you be able to drive the same cars? Doubtful! But can you purchase a car? Absolutely! Will you have three homes in different parts of the country? No! But you can have one beautiful home.
This doesn't mean stop working hard to reach your dreams. But it does mean stop spending your money like your winning ticket numbers have just been called. Do more with less. Accumulate experience not stuff.
It seems that we are living in a "me" economy. What's that you ask. It is the, me first, me now, me-me-me mentality. Now, I am not saying there is anything wrong with going out and getting your hustle on at all. What I am referring to is how we communicate and interact with other people. A case of the I's.
You know the type of person I am talking about. Someone starts a conversation and begins telling a story about a time that won a free dinner for 2 to a great restaurant in town. Then the I person begins, "I got a free dinner one time," and "I got dinner and a bottle of wine," and "I got served by a master chef," "I, I, I, I, I, I." And so it goes on.
I worked with a lady who had a case of the "I's." I don't think she wanted to dominate the conversation, but inadvertently, she alienated herself from most conversations. In fact, when people talked with her, they made it brief so as not to be drained.
This happens from time to time in business settings. We want the other person to know that we've had great experiences, can tell good stories, and be likable. But when too much emphasis is on "I" and less is focused on "you", the relationship between the two parties dissolves. Would you want to do business with an "I" person?
The next time you find yourself in a setting and one of your stories is perfect for the occasion, hold it in and wait. Because as soon as someone asks you, "what do you think" you are ready to lead the way.
Have you ever encountered an "I" person? What tips can you provide to help these conversations? I would love to hear your thoughts. Post your comments here:
Here is the 2nd poem titled, Inside Out, to help start your week. Please feel free to share with those you love and care about. It helped shape who I have become.
INSIDE OUT
Inside Out and Outside In Who we are, where we begin Is only found in what we place Our values and our Saving Grace
Turn around, look and see Who it is you came to be Chance are you look the same Body image body frame
Difference found inside of you Developed from a different view Inner peace inner strength Jumping hoops through great lengths
Inside Out and Outside In Finally decided to begin Living in the moment now God will always show you how.
Ifelt really compelled to share with you a few poems that I wrote as I began my life transformation. This is the first one titled, I'm Becoming. The words just landed on the paper with myself only providing the writing instrument. I hope you can appreciate and refer to them as needed. Please feel free to share.
I'M BECOMING
I'm becoming better each day Beginning it with God I pray Past is gone, today is now Never really even knew how To live, to love, to laugh, to cry Only focused on the reasons why No time, no money, no end in sight With Him I lay in prayer each night
I'm becoming better each day Found those special words to say Please forgive me lead my path In the midst of aftermath Self-destruction ends right now Faith in God I'll soon know how Live for what I see in you Life begins today, brand new
