Many money-making opportunities have arrived, but I still chose according to my core values—“devoting” every morning last week to building a project developing social enterprises in southern Vietnam. As a result, I lost every working morning and stayed up until 4 a.m. all week, yet still had to meet UK partners for this program at 8 a.m.
But I still feel full of energy, because ‘i work because i choose to, not because i have to’.
Pictured is Brian. His son is around my age, yet the two of us are partners in this program.
Initially, my company assigned a colleague to follow the program. Had that person persisted longer, the company would have sent them on a trip to the UK next week, as that was the schedule (but I did not mention the UK trip at the outset: performance first). Although a sightseeing trip to the UK is no big deal, in this life everything requires a little persistence to bring results. So that none of us has to say “if only…” or “I wish…,” instead of asking, “If I treat the organization well, will I get anything in return?” ask, “What have my actions really been, and how have I actually treated others?” Look at your own actions. We need to focus on the present and see the truth about ourselves, understanding where the key lies before we can change and grow : )
Back to Brian. He inspires affection as an Englishman from a very poor background, born in Hackney, one of England's three poorest districts, who overcame hardship, built businesses and experience, and ultimately devoted the rest of his career to Social Enterprise Development in Britain and elsewhere. Throughout our week working together, I learned much from how Brian listened and behaved to build sincere trust. Every time I am disappointed, Heaven sends someone who lets me see hope.
After all, Brian has had a lifetime to build his experience. Anyone, regardless of their mistakes or current starting point, can always become better; it is simply their choice. What matters is not the difference in starting points but how you reach the finish. So I always hold out hope for everyone who has worked and shared experiences with me.
I will see Brian again very soon ; )
TMT
