I was thinking the other day about the story of the boy and the starfish.
The one where the boy is walking along the beach and stops every so often to pick up a starfish washed up on the sand and throws it back into the sea. The problem is that there are thousands of starfish washed up.
A man watching the boy, said to him, “Little boy, there are so many starfish washed up on the beach, you are not going to make any difference throwing them back.” The boy picks up another starfish, flings it into the sea and proudly says “I made a difference for that one.”
Helping others was something ingrained in me from an early age.
You see I grew up on a farm with no indoor plumbing, and very little in equipment to farm with. In those days, you relied on help from your neighbouring farmers to do a lot of things – build houses, build barns, clear land, harvest crops, fight bushfires, take care of the local church and cemetery, etc.
It was the only way for all of us in the farming community to be successful, and to survive.
We gave of ourselves – our time, our sweat and our tears. We did not say ‘no’.
Consequently, throughout my life I have focused on giving back – not just by donating money, but by physically being there for others to help, teach and inspire them.
Why?
Because it can make a major difference in their life as well as mine! Nothing is more fulfilling than helping someone to grow, to learn, to succeed, to overcome, to be stronger. That’s why we do things for family – but we can do more.
“We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll
When I lost a child, I joined a bereavement society to help others get through their loss. By helping others, I realized that it also helped me to deal with my pain and to get through the darkest days.
When I taught myself how to succeed in real estate investing and grow a large portfolio, I coached others on how to do the same.
When I understood a new business model would help people get out of the rat race, I wrote a book to help them understand it.
Today, I am proud to say that my business helps people to grow, to enjoy and to lead a more fulfilling/healthier life.
At same time, it helps address a major global issue – childhood malnutrition.
Am I motivated every day by doing this? Do I feel good about myself? Am I making a difference?
Absolutely!
So what is the MOST important thing in life?
Be the light in someone’s life – Help others. Make a difference. Give of yourself.
Throw a starfish back into the sea. You will be so glad that you did!
“If you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa