Now friend, I don’t claim to be perfect in this area, but I do try. And, as a fella’ much wiser then me once said, “shoot for the moon, because even if you fall short, you’ll land among the stars” (note: I originally heard this quoted by Les Brown, but since then I’ve also heard it credited to others as well). One of the most important lessons I was taught at a pretty young age was not to look down on others.

I remember when I was getting into business hearing it said, “be the type of person who can just as easily spend time with those in a suit and a tie, as those in blue jeans.” In other words, don’t look down on folks or think you are somehow better then they are!

I remember one experience that made it crystal clear to me that I should never judge a book by its cover. I was working in our family’s business at the time, a fellow came in to the office to see my father. He still had a few small remnants of dried concrete on his shirt. I didn’t think much of it. Afterward my father casually mentioned that while he was a brick mason by trade — he also happened to own quite a bit of real-estate (multiple apartments, houses, etc.).

Needless to say, I’d have never guessed this if I hadn’t been told. The point is, you just never know a persons background, resources, etc — therefore, if you make the mistake of trying to group them in some way you may end up missing out on an opportunity — and besides, it’s better to treat all folks with the same dignity and respect they deserve.

And as my friend and colleague Vic Johnson would say, “that’s worth thinking about.”

It’s Your Life, LIVE BIG!
Josh Hinds

-I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the above ideas in the comments below.