If someone’s action, comment, or recommendation does not make immediate sense, take a step back and ask, “who benefits.” This will help illuminate the motives of the person making the request. You may realize that the motive is silly, irrational, purely emotional, or evil. But knowing is better than scratching your head indefinitely.
“Do what others want, not what you want for them.” -someone smarter than me
It is tempting to think that we know what is best for others, our loved ones, or strangers. That may be true sometimes, but think inwards – how would you feel when someone does something for you on their terms, not how you want things to be done.
When considering a birthday gift, for example, ask the person what they really want, and don’t suppose that they will like what you give them.
“No matter what happens, I will be fine.”
-unknown
I don’t know who/where I saw/read this, but it has stuck with me for a very long time, perhaps since my teenage. As I have come across Stoicism recently, this quote can summarize the Stoic philosophy quite well. No matter how bad things may seem, in the end, it will be fine.
“It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money – that’s all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot – it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”
-John Ruskin
I read this on a poster in a washroom at a restaurant in Montreal. I think it was meant as a – not very subtle – way to get the customers to tip more – and it worked. I love this quote not just because I am a sales professional, but also because I am a consumer. My rule: never buy cheapest. Buying second or third cheapest is generally a good strategy. Look for value from the supplier beyond the dollars. Bargain not just on cost, but also on value add-ons. These may be easier for the supplier to negotiate on, Perform a cost value analysis to look at the total cost of ownership. Consider the consumables cost, repair cost, support, and product phase out.
Of course this detailed analysis is for medium or large purchases. Do not perform a cost-value analysis on a chocolate chip icecream!
“Let your future determine your present, not your past determine your future.” -Chip Wilson
Too often we set goals based on our past. This is a form of “reactive thinking.” Instead, “proactive thinking” allows us to untether from the past, look ahead and make decisions in the present. Enjoy life in the present.
I love this quote as it is simple to understand, yet, it has many layers. Thank you Mr. Wilson.
I bargained with Life for a penny,
And Life would pay no more,
However I begged at evening
When I counted my scanty store;
For Life is just an employer,
He gives you what you ask,
But once you have set the wages,
Why, you must bear the task.
I worked for a menial’s hire,
Only to learn, dismayed,
That any wage I had asked of Life,
Life would have paid.
You will be what you “will” to be;
Let failure find its false content
In that poor word, “environment”,
But spirit scorns it, and is free.
It masters time, it conquers space;
It cowes that boastful trickster, Chance,
And bids the tyrant Circumstance
To uncrown, and fill a servant’s place.
The human will, that force unseen,
The offspring of a deathless Soul,
Can hew a way to any goal,
Though walls of graite intervene.
Be not impatient in delay
But wait as one who understands;
When spirit rises and commands
Then God is ready to obey.
The river seeking for the sea
Confronts the dam and precipice,
Yet knows it cannot fail or miss;
You will be what you will be!