Today we live in a very materialistic society. We tend to judge people by the clothes they wear, the cars they drive or the house they live in. Is that what impresses you? As human beings, we tend to make up our mind about someone new in less than 10 seconds. How they carry themselves, their speech, their body language and their vibes. But within the first minute or so, we add their clothes, their shoes, their jewelry and their physical appearance. Are we always right? Are we always wrong? I believe most of us are impressed by the wrong things.
A recent survey I read suggested that most Americans admit to be impressed by 4 items.
- Money
- Followers
- Degrees
- Titles
Let’s examine each item. Money can be accumulated by criminals. Is that impressive? Followers can be accumulated by beauty and lack of morality. Is that impressive? Degrees can be earned by great students who lack the knowledge to implement them. Is that impressive? Titles can be self-given. For example, a one man business who calls himself the CEO. Is that impressive? All 4 of these impressive items can easily be manipulated by the wrong person to be impressive.
It is my belief that these 4 attributes should top Americans list to be impressed by instead.
- Generosity
- Integrity
- Humility
- Kindness
These 4 attributes should be our focus for what really impresses us. Being truly generous, not giving with a camera crew following you around to earn more money from your so-called generosity, but giving when no one is watching. Integrity to a point someone would shoot craps with you over the phone, because of the trust you were able to build. Humility, especially after being the best at something or the richest at something without spewing arrogance. There really is a big difference between arrogance and confidence and it is called humility. Lastly kindness to everyone, not just to those that may help you, but kindness to those who can never repay you.
The late great Albert Einstein once quoted “the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” That is a very valuable lesson from one of the smartest men that ever lived. Read this quote again and then the 8 bullets. Einstein had it right. May we all strive to be of value and not just successful.
“Character isn’t something you were born with and can’t change, like your fingerprints. It’s something you weren’t born with and must take responsibility for forming”.—Jim Rohn
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Tim Wilhoit is owner/principal of Your Friend 4 Life Insurance Agency in Nashville, TN. He is a family man, father of 3, grandfather of 1, entrepreneur, insurance agent, life insurance broker, salesman, sales trainer, recruiter, public speaker, blogger, author and team leader with over 28 years of experience in sales and marketing in the insurance and beverage industries.
Great Post!
Great Post!
So very much TRUE. Thanks for the slap in face to so many shallow people that have had thier priorities out of order. The Bible even touches on this subject in the same way. Book of James if any one wants to take the time to find it.
Thank you for kind words Jason.
The time and attention you take with each and every post. You know what matters. That’s what impresses me most. Thank you for doing what you do..
Thank you Glenn, it is kind words like yours that keeps me writing.
Tim, you’re right on target.Even in church, I see people, all around me impressed with ‘money, followers, degrees, and titles.’ Now and then I meet a man or a woman, who has peace written on their face, and generosity, integrity, humility and kindness demonstrated to one and all. Another wonderful post with much food for thought. Thank you.
I am always grateful for your positive feedback Consuelo.
I agree