Two of my best friends passed away this month. Kind, compassionate, generous people. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of My Brothers, you did for Me.” These two literally helped thousands of people. God reserved a special place in Heaven for them. It reminded me of four life lessons that help me deal with this mixed up world on a daily basis.
You are Blessed to Have 5 True Friends in Life – Want to find out who they are? Get fired from your job and see who calls you back. One CEO told me, “I thought I had five friends; it’s possible I have zero.” Most people are acquaintances. Your true friends are always there for you, rain or shine.
Don’t Have High Expectations – People may disappoint you. Not everyone is a person of integrity like you. Candidates lie to me on a regular basis. Not everyone calls you back. Personally, I call everyone back because my Dad taught me it was the right way to treat people, but most people are only going to call you to ask for something. Not everyone keeps their commitments and shows up. I’ve paid $1,000 for someone to sit at my table at a charity event and they are a “no show no call.” People are people. Lower your expectations and you won’t be as disappointed.
Don’t Worry About What People Say About You – Someone at an A.A. meeting once said, “I was able to stop drinking the day I realized that I don’t care what you have to say about me.” As a Recruiter I get dirt kicked on me every day. One candidate told me, “You say you are a Christian, but you won’t help me get a job.” Always remember, everyone is on a hard journey, so don’t take their remarks personally. Let go and let God.
Not Everyone Wants to Be Your Friend – When I first started my Executive Recruiting business, I placed a “C” level technology executive. She never said thank you. She never bought me a cup of coffee or sent me any business. Someone told me, “Mark, you are an Executive Recruiter. It’s what you do – get people jobs. She doesn’t want to be your friend.” I have placed dozens of people…and never heard from them again unless they got fired and needed another job. Focus on the people that WANT to be on your bus.
Finally, here is my favorite quote from Mother Teresa:
People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
