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Where's Your Helping Hand?
by Motivational Speaker Gregory Scott Reid
Published on this site: April 25th, 2006 - See
more articles from this month
All of us are raised differently, in different environments
of different cites, by different families of different cultures.
When we grow up, we all have different abilities and different
levels of independence. Even though we are different people
in different places, many of us are provided with the same
tools and lessons to become independent, contributing, even
successful members of our community.
Ever notice, though, that two children raised by the same
parents can be so totally different? A perfect example of
this is a family I know who had a son, Rob, and a daughter,
Tracy. Rob was two years older than Tracy. Their parents had
given them both the same amount of love, rules, guidance,
and discipline.
Now, Rob turned 18 and couldn't wait to get out of the house
and be on his own. He never had enjoyed school, so he chose
not to continue his education, and picked up odd jobs for
cash. Tracy, however, had worked part-time through high school,
had a savings account, graduated and went to college to get
a degree in business.
After a few months, Rob still didn't have any steady employment.
He spent his free time tinkering with his friends' cars -
he had a gift for working with engines and loved to dive in
and get his hands dirty exploring how they worked. During
this time, it was common for Rob to go back home to his parents
and ask for a hand - a few dollars here and there to make
ends meet. He never changed his lifestyle or career, and wouldn't
consider enrolling in vocational classes. Meanwhile, Tracy
was doing well in school, still working part-time, and was
very determined to be independent.
Rob's parents soon became tired of his frequent, almost routine,
requests for help. They realized that it was up to them to
force him to become responsible. Although they would always
be there to give him advice and guidance, they were no longer
willing to be his safety net.
One day, Rob walked in the door, and said, "Hey, Mom,
can you give me a hand with my rent this month?". He
was very surprised when his mom sat him down and said, "Rob,
I do realize that you need a hand. But the helping hand you're
looking for is at the end of your own arm".
Disappointed and disillusioned, Rob was left with no money
help outside of that comment. He spent a while looking at
his hands, and suddenly realized that he did have the tools
to succeed. All he had to do was use them.
He got a job as a helper at a local mechanic shop, retrieving
parts and sweeping floors, and occasionally doing oil changes.
With his boss' encouragement, Rob decided to enroll in automotive
courses and found that he enjoyed them and was actually very
good at it. He spent his time at work learning skills of the
trade from the experienced mechanics, and hoped that someday he
could be as good as they were.
Today, Rob is the successful owner of own chain of automotive
repair shops and tells his employees that they all have access
to the tools necessary to succeed.
We all need a little help now and then, but sometimes all
we need is a reminder that the help we need has been there
all along. We just have to use it.
Where's your helping hand?
Gregory Scott Reid, #1 best selling author The Millionaire
Mentor, Positive Impact, and co-author Wake up.Live the life
you Love
http://www.motivational-speaker-gregory-scott-reid.com
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