My mentor, retired businessman Fred Smith, says: “You are the way you are because that’s the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing right now.”
It probably will not surprise you when I say that I am in complete agreement with Fred. He’s the wisest man I’ve ever known, and he combines wisdom with common sense, a unique sense of humor and a willingness to help others accomplish their objectives. Fred points out that change, while often difficult, is one of the necessary ingredients in life if we are to succeed or, for that matter, even survive.
For some strange reason, a very high percentage of us believe those around us should change, and not us. It’s our mate’s fault or our employer’s fault, or the difficulty arises within the government, the educational system or society itself. Many people honestly believe all that would have to happen for them to become enormously successful and completely happy would be for the people around them to change. Unfortunately, they often try to change others without looking in the mirror.
Consider for a moment all the people between the ages of 12 and 14 who believe their parents are completely out of touch with reality, know very little about life and have none of the answers. We know by the time they reach the age of 25, they will be amazed at how much their parents have learned!
The best way to make a difference in others’ lives is to make changes in our own. When we recognize that we really can change, we’ve taken a giant step toward the top. Take that step, and I’ll see you at the top!
To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar’s free email newsletter through ziglar.com.
