What Is Really Important In Life? (Moving Mountains Mondays™ #2)
James wins the lottery, and Frank suffers with paralysis from the neck down. Which person is the happiest?
If you guessed James…you’re partially correct. However, it all depends on the time. Once Frank realizes he will never be able to use his body the same way again he might go into a “state of depression”, because no one “catches” depression, right? James jumps up in down in excitement about the possibilities that can come from the money he will obtain.
In that moment who is the happiest? James…although he may be taking the fact that he can even jump up and down for granted. But, as reality sets in James realizes how much he really gets after taxes and how much he has for bills. James forgot that part. But, then James is the type of person who doesn’t save for a rainy day. He goes on a shopping spree, buys a new car, and a new home for his family. Still think he’s the happiest? He could be, but he’s got a lot more expenses now!
What about Frank? Well after the initial “state of depression” Frank realizes this must be an opportunity for something greater in his life. He is done feeling sorry for himself, and he knows he can’t change what has happened to him. “Hey, maybe I can turn this into an opportunity to teach others the value and importance of life. It worked for Christopher Reeve! I can’t move anything below my neck, and at times it kills me inside, but I know that I’m still alive and everything happens for a reason.”
Example: Christopher Reeve http://www.christopherreeve.org
Which person is the happiest? Still think it’s James? The same thing has happened to countless others. Take for example:
Billy Bob Harrell Jr.: $31 million in Texas Lottery
A Pentecostal preacher working as a stock-boy at Home Depot hit the $31 million jackpot back in 1997. At first, life was good with Billy Bob buying a ranch, six other homes, and some new cars. Like many others who win the lottery, he was unable to simply say “NO!” when people asked him for a handout. Later in Life he divorced his wife and eventually committed suicide, the stress apparently too much to handle for this lottery winner.
Source:Business Pundit
You may win the lottery, but that will not grant you never ending happiness.
Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask First (Moving Mountains Mondays™ #1)
In September of 2010 I went on a business trip to Las Vegas, Nevada with my girlfriend and a friend of mine. The view at night is gorgeous, and sitting poolside with the love of your life is priceless. That, however, wasn’t the only thing that stuck out in my mind.
On our way home, my girlfriend and I were on a very small plane so we were fortunate enough to enjoy each others company. I was reading one of my favorite books from Tony Robbins, “Awaken The Giant Within” when one of the flight attendants made it a point to stare at me to reiterate: “Make sure you secure your oxygen mask before helping the person beside you.” I smiled and continued to talk to my girlfriend who was taking pictures of us, but inside I thought to myself, “Yeah right, sure I’m going to think of myself before the safety of my girlfriend. Yeah…Okkkk!” Beside us, there was an elderly woman, and I could see myself creating a scenario helping my girlfriend with her mask, and then helping this elderly woman. Boy Oh Boy!…If I had a dollar for every time I created a scenario and another for each time my girlfriend called me Mr. Scenario I’d be retired. (it’s funny how the mind starts to wander and create scenarios).
That’s when it dawned on me! “Wait a minute…If I can’t breathe how do I help my girlfriend, let alone anyone else?” The best thing to do in that situation that would offer the most help would be securing my own oxygen mask first. I would have to help myself before I could lead anyone to safety.
But, at times most of us do the opposite of what would offer the most help. People run to the aid of others helping them with their oxygen masks (problems, requests, errands, etc.) and then run out of oxygen all together. People become tired, stressed, unmotivated, unhealthy, and worried.
Have you ever asked people what their priorities are, or what they believe are their core values? Most people’s answers are:
- God
- Loved Ones
- Education
- Business, Friends
- Personal Interests, and Well Being
But, how good are you to anyone if YOU run out of oxygen?
If you want to give more you have to literally be able to give more! You cannot possibly give what you don’t have. You have to be your first priority so that you can give more, contribute more, and serve more.
Take Action:
Mark down You as priority #1. Schedule You time. Then you can take on family, education, business, etc.