3 Minute Wisdom

There is a mistaken belief that permeates society that we have to do things for other people and that it is "Other People" who determine the quality of our lives.

We have to learn that we do not "have" to do anything for anyone else, but everything that we want in life we can only get by doing something for someone else. Once you grasp this you will realise that "other people" are really your opportunity to get what you want.

Other people provide the possibility of your life. Your use of that possibility is the cause of the state of your life.

Everything that we do is a choice. We can choose to do things well or we can choose to do things badly. We can choose to be happy or we can choose to be miserable. But just accept this, while you are free to choose your behaviour and your actions you are not free to avoid the consequences of your actions.

This story will illustrate this:

There was once a builder who after a long and successful career was looking forward to his retirement. As soon as his current project was finished that was it, no more work. However as the project finished his employer called him in and said "You, are our best builder and I have one last request. There is a special house to be built and you are the only one that we trust to do it."

Reluctantly the builder agreed to do the job, but his heart was not in it. It was unfair, he should have been on retirement not building another house. He became even more resentful when he discovered the site for the house. It was a piece of ground, over looking a lake, where he had often said that he would like to build his own house.

Because he was resentful, he did not build with his usual care. He cut corners and used second grade material. He just wanted to get it finished and he reasoned "Who cares how I build this house, it is the last one" Anyway soon he was finished and his commitment to the company complete. Now he could retire at last.

To thank him for his years of loyal service his employer held a farewell party for him and at the party handed him a farewell gift. When he unwrapped his gift he found inside the keys to the house he had just built. His instant feeling was one of remorse "If only I had taken more care in building this house. if only I had known it was for me" To avoid that regret "Do everything that you do as if it were for you."

Take the time to evaluate your actions. What will the possible consequences be? How will this affect your reputation? Will you be able to look back with pride on your actions of today? How would you feel if other people did this to you? Would you be prepared to accept this performance from others?

Realise that every action is a building block of your past and a foundation stone of your future. Build carefully. Do everything that you do as if it were for you because in reality everything that you do is for you.