I was fortunate to meet Lee Corso, ESPN College Football analyst and former FSU Seminole, when he was guest speaker at an event a year or so ago benefiting physically challenged youth.He shared his views on how he judges people, and I wanted to repeat them here for you - I was certainly impressed with his comments.
Two things he considers when evaluating a person:
1) How you treat people that you do not need.
Do you ignore these folks? Turn away? Go out of your way to be cordial? It is a struggle to be nice to everyone, granted. But think of the difference you could make by being nice to someone when it is least expected. I have always heard it is easy to be kind to someone that is kind to you, but ever more of a challenge to be nice to someone who is mean to you.
Whether it be the waiter, the gas station attendant, the sales clerk, the teller, the garbage man, the homeless, the ex-whatever, the disabled, the poor....just to name a few. How do we treat these folks?
2) The time and energy you devote to helping others.
Depending on your own situation, how much time can be put here? Maybe you have been a recipient of someone's help? Giving back can be done in many ways, and only you can decide on the right way in your situation. Volunteering, money, effort, sweat-equity, mentor, words, food, clothes, referrals, etc., lots of ways to help others.
Obviously, I agree with Corso's insights. The bottom line for me is making a difference in the lives of others - to whatever degree you see fit.
How are you doing it? What are you giving to others?
One of my proudest examples - hope you don't mind me sharing this - was my experience as the Chairman of the Board for the Rotary Youth Camp in North Florida. The annual camp is for kids with physical or developmental challenges. For 3 years I helped raise money, plan the camp, attract campers, organize an annual banquet, volunteered at the camp and met many, many thankful parents.
It is hard to describe the impact these kids had on me, and how the overall experience helped make me a better person. I didn't need these kids (relative to Corso's comment), but I certainly realized the time and enery I put into it was nothing compared to their efforts required to make it through a single day, and these kids needed us.
So, what do you think?
Take care!
Mickey
