Two little "Life Is Too Short" aphorisms struck me this week from reading and talking with people. All our days are numbered. We need to be the best in our relationships. We need to be our best in service to others. Think about real estate, lending, staging, many of the housing related jobs. All about customer service. We provide service to our clients. We serve our co-workers, partners, friends and family. But these two phrases really stuck with me because if you were to die tomorrow doing these two, you would be hitting on all cylinders I think. You would be at the epitome of working in life with a Servant's Heart.
The first phrase is
WHATEVER YOU WANT.
It usually is associated with the restaurant business to fix the entree that wasn't cooked to your liking or running back and getting you another glass of cold water from the kitchen, or a condiment you requested like some ground pepper or such. But think in all our levels of service to ANYONE you serve. Some mothers in families around the table at Thanksgiving act like this when all the guests arrive around the holiday dinner table. So keep in mind that whatever you want to others in being generous to them.
The second phrase is
I WOULDN'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD.
You might think this relates to a big wedding invitation, an invite to a party, or a fun family reunion in Hawaii. But what it mainly means is that YOU are so important to someone in their life they put you ahead of everything else on their schedule. It is such a great feeling when someone treats you this way. Once again, an extreme act of generosity not with food or money, but with something even more precious to all of us, our time. Afterall, our time is our life. There is an expression that you like someone who checks their calendar and makes time for you but you cherish someone who doesn't even have a calendar for you.
Try to integrate these two phrases of the highest form of service, the highest standards of generosity, into your life. And be acutely aware when those VERY rare persons in your life treat you this way. For afterall, the greatest among us are the ones that serve the very best.
So very true Gary, so very true! We do serve the very best...Great post! and thank you for making us aware!
Well, Here I am back again. How many posts are you going to write today? I barely got one out and that may be it for the week,lol. Sometimes I just like be ornery and just be a little bit of a pain the ........
Thankfully it is not often and I do agree ( mostly ) with this. One thing I hate being is always predicable,LMAO. Now don't get me wrong, I am ALWAYS reliable and true to my word.
Karen: Being GREAT at serving really makes us stand out.
William: These blog topics just drop out of my head. If I am near the keyboard, off they go into cyberspace. Being ornery is totally cool. I have those days. No, I honestly am like that all the time : ) I know you are one of high integrity.
Gary,
You are so right, and there are only a few of us, dedicated, working for our customers, 16/7... great agents...and great customers...service is the most important feature. Thanks for a great post.
Reading this makes me feel like crying, as I can still remember the feelings of disappointment of waiting and waiting for people in my life who didn't ever seem to have time for me...a father...a husband...people who I would have thought valued me to some degree...it's an awful feeling to not pay attention to people around you...it's an awful feeling to think that we have anytime at all except THE PRESENT... My #1 rule in LIFE always, is to SHOW UP...no matter what...and I've thought about this so much since my friend passed away...she embraced so much in the present and ALWAYS, always had time for me and showed up. I find as I'm growing old(er), I'm less willing to wait and more eager to understand what Life is asking me to give...desiring to be in the PRESENT with all my heart. Thanks for always taking the time to share your flowing inspiration... You make everyone feel so special. I hope you know how very special you are too, Gary!
I agree it takes a long time for a realtor to learn that we have something of value to offer. Once we know our true worth we make it from a good realtor to a great realtor. Service is expected /assummed but how many of us really deliver. I can tell by your article you deliver.
good post my man
Pat: Generosity that is unconditional with no regrets and out of a full heart is a wonder to watch and feel for sure. Thanks for the Friends video. You find the best ones. I don't mind getting picked on. Story of my life actually. All in good fun.
Mara: I appreciate your heartfelt thoughts and remember you friend that passed away very well. Nothing is perfect in living on our giving end or receiving end. We should just know that we can only control our own actions and shoot for the best. When you receive the best you just have to stand back and say wow what a blessing. Living in the present is such a powerful life lesson. You are special too Mara and I hope many people find you here and in your life.
Carl: You are right in moving to the great state we deliver the best in service.
Gary, Some wonderful phrases to remember every single day--helping others as much as we can and really letting people see how much they mean to us "I wouldn't miss it for the World."
I love it! Great phrases for sure. As a former waitress I totally understand how Whatever YOu Want is sure to please.
Gary- These are great! We tend to use these phrases in our personal life, but translating them into business would go a long way too. Thanks for posting!
Yes Gary those are very true statements about service. Service to the customer should be #.
Hey thanks - I reblogged this.
Both of those phrases clearly put the focus on others. It's what we do for others that is the most fulfilling use of our time and talents.
Hi Gary,
You're so right. I feel the most precious aspect of my life is time. I'm doing my best to live in the moment.
Gary - I have always tried to adhere to these two principles. Providing the highest level of service to not only my clients but to my family and friends is paramount to me and I always go above and beyond when there is a call for help whether it be another agent in my office, a close friend or a family member. Like Maria, I have had many disappointments in my life from those who I would have expected more. I guess that's why I am such a strong believer in living my life through these principles today. Thank you so much for sharing this.
HI Gary!! If you make a sale, you can make a living. If you make an investment of time and great service-you can make a fortune!
Time is definitely our most precious commodity. With so many things being dealt with at once, it can certainly make someone feel on top of the world when they receive a little undivided time. Wonderful post my friend.
XXOO! I blast through life like there's no tomorrow, but grow more appreciative of those who love me for who I am every day. I believe I have been reincarnated from someone who went through their first life waiting to do everything... and didn't get to do everything.
Gary - this is a great post you have written, and I agree that as pr ofessionals we should have the highest standard of generosity with our personal lives and in our business. As Realtors, we are serving others with their lives and often helping them with the single most important purchase in their lives - they should be getting the best of us . . . (Like that Foo Fighters song - The Best of You).
We should wake up every morning thinking in this mindset.
Keep them coming.
I say #1 a lot but #2 I don't know that I have ever said it...it is touching when you think about it.
Great phrases Gary. I think mothers are in the habit of saying those on a regular basis.
Sandy
Thanks for the reminder. Life is too short, and we never know what our words and actions might mean to someone.
Gary,
How very important this is and how starving are so many people who walk amongst us. Everyone wants to be heard, seen and recognized. They long to be known at their very depths by someone who really 'gets' them. It's a rare person indeed who takes the time and actually acknowledges another by giving them their undivided time and attention.
beautiful post, as always,
Jo
ps~congrats on the star!!
Gary,
I once heard a lecture on 'LOVE' and how hard that word is to express in the English language...we love chocolate, we love sports, we love pets, we love our spouses, we love our children, etc...the lecturer suggested finally that the best word in english to express the true meaning of love is 'HOSPITALITY'...that sure fits in with your 'first phrase'...Thanks, Fran
Gary - Thanks for another kind-hearted post. In this season of Thanks, how appropriate.
Great post Gary! I couldn't agree more with you!
Hi Gary- #601 and counting :-) Generosity of spirit is the first thing that attracts me to the person who is destined to be my friend....and if that person just happens to enjoy wining and dining, well that's about perfect. As I said in My Town Titusville post, I don't believe a problem exists that can't be remedied with food, wine, and friends!
Yes, let's remember that the customers are important to our business and we need to show them our appreciation via good manners and courtesy.
Gary, I've been asking myself: what is the source of your "inspiration"?...what is about you that makes you capture our hearts so completely? How is that flow of love, compassion, human understanding guiding you so beautifully to all road maps of our hearts? I stopped thinking that you are one of us... because you are to different, to special. Thank you for this great post.
Indeed life is to short and your thoughts inspirational, special around the Thanksgiving Day...
Gary, I've been asking myself: what is the source of your "inspiration"?...what is about you that makes you capture our hearts so completely? How is that flow of love, compassion, human understanding guiding you so beautifully to all road maps of our hearts? I stopped thinking that you are one of us... because you are to different, to special. Thank you for this great post.
Indeed life is to short and your thoughts inspirational, special around the Thanksgiving Day...
Don't know if I can say "whatever you want" without attitude :)
I do like "I wouldn't miss it for the world", however!
Hi Gary-I have been a big fan of yours for a while now but have never commented before. I have enjoyed all your inspiring blogs. They are a beautiful and special way to start my day. I believe "kind sir" that you are a person that is a shining light and blessing to all those you come in contact with. You have much to be proud of with your words of encouragement and inspiration. One day our paths may cross unexpectedly and I would have the privilege to meet the wonderful man with the voice of hope, love and unending wisdom. Thank you ever so much. Have a very blessed day.
Gary, I agree with your post. I am around so many agents and other professionals that seem to revolve around the idea that the more they work and produce makes them successful. No matter that their marriage, their children, their reputation etc is falling apart. To me success is a balance of all of it. If I am doing well professioanlly but not persoanlly, them I do not consider that sucessful And,, liek wise, if I am doing well personally but not making a dime, not so sucessful then either. It's nice to hear from someone who appreciates the balance!
Carole: That second phrase shows enthusiasm to how important people are to you. It makes them feel so good.
Georgina: I'm glad you reinforced this with your former restaurant background perspective. Thank you.
John: Working for others I agree is the most fulfilling in serving them.
Lynda: Time IS the most precious resource. It literally is our LIFE.
Donna: If you do more than needed you will stand out among the many. That is great.
Cathy: Service, indeed, gets you to that fortune.
Jesse: Top of the world with that undivided time, I most assuredly agree.
Susie: Like there's no tomorrow is a great way to live, here in the second half. Good for you.
Sharon: The Best of YOU -- good song!!
Laurie: You got it.
Chuck: Try the second one. It will impress people with your enthusiasm.
Pat: I think the blog roll may be behind in the count, or just public not Members only posts. Thanks for the beautiful morning YouTube. You keep finding good ones. That one was in the Oklahoma movie too.
Sandy: Mothers are specialists at this.
Kim: Words and actions have a HUGE impact whether we know it or not.
Jo: Thanks. As you said, undivided attention is the key. Too bad it seems so rare.
Fran: The gift of hospitality is definitely a part of love.
Greg: Always give thanks, a great thought.
Jason: Thanks.
Gail: Food, wine and friends should be able to solve all the problems of the world : )
Hawaii Homes: Good manners and courtesy shows great respect, I agree.
Hi Arina: My inspiration is people like you and others I watch in the world. It is just me paying attention and listening with the heart.
Renee: I like the wouldn't miss it for the world one too.
A Fan: Thanks for reading and your kind words. You never know when paths cross but give kindnesses to all your meet. They have far reaching ripples in life.
Another Reader: Balance is very important. So true.
Some wonderful and inspiration thought just before thanksgiving!
Wow!
Joan: Generosity is never wasted.
Angelica: Wow is good. : )
Gary...
Life is too short, and I wouldn't miss it for the world! Nice feature.
Richard: Wouldn't miss it for the world makes you get into all the cool parties and you never miss special events in people's lives. Definitely something to shoot for.
Gary, I had to stop back and congratulate you on a wonderful feature. People with that kind of kindness are what really makes the world go around. Thank you for always paying it forward.
GREAT reminder for all of us to put others first. You always keep us in line, my friend. GBU~
Gary,
Thanks for the words of inspiration, I think I will print your blog and hang it where I can read it each morning as a daily reminder.
Carole: Thanks for revisiting. You are just ALWAYS the kindest. A real example out there in the world of undivided attention.
Elizabeth Nieves: You are a master of generosity and anyone that needs lessons just watch you. God bless you as well.
Kathy: If you practice or at least try to, those two phrases with being generous to people they will be amazed by you and how you care for them.
Gary - good post; life is really short; I appreciate you!
Gary - very nice post. I ALWAYS make time for the people whom I am closest to. Doesn't always go both ways.
if life is really short then I must have fun in everything that I will do, so that even if I'm gone I wont regret living in this lovely earth, you made me think of something that I can do while im here in <a href="http://seefeld.com/de/orte/leutasch.php"> Leutasch </a>
Gary
A positive attitude helps heart and soul- you gentle reminders are wonderful!
Gary,
My father always told me that in order to be happy you must strive to make others happy or as we told our daughter when she was very young, to have friends you must be a friend.
What a great post about serving others Gary. The first person I think of that practices these two phrases is my mom...she is an amazing lady!
This mindset should be on our agenda on a daily basis....
I never heard the "calendar check" phrase. That is really good. I'll have to write that one down!
Bobby: Thanks. Life REALLY is short. I appreciate YOU too.
Lisa: Keep making time for others, and what comes back is what is meant to come back. Don't worry about it.
Reith: Having no regrets means you are living right.
Allison: Thanks for your kind words. Anything to help out ALL our hearts and souls.
Barb: Make others happy or be a friend and like Karma it will come back to you. The universe works that way.
Patricia Beck: Your Mom is a great one then for sure.
Sonja: If everyone treated each other like this, Wow!!
Steve: I was paraphrasing it. If you search it out on the web there is a precise way they say it.