You've Got Something They Want

 

“Maestro Fresh” Wes Williams was the first Canadian hip-hop artist to achieve a platinum album. In his book, Stick to Your Vision, named after his song of the same name, he says in the opening paragraph of “Chapter 23: Pass it On”,

“Call it what you want, being a role model, example, inspiration, but people look up to you when you’ve reached a level they’re trying to conquer. That’s why it’s important to stay on point and to continue to inspire people directly or indirectly with your words and actions. You don’t have to wait till you reach your destination − at any point, you can share what you know or have gone through. But when you realize your vision, then it’s definitely time.”

When we work hard to get somewhere, we often forget there are other people out there, other kids and people starting up who’re aiming as high as we’ve aimed. We don’t have to be award winning rappers − I remember my Dad giving advice to a cousin who was also becoming a teacher. We all start out at the beginning − in a crib, not able to walk and not understanding a word of any language. Completely helpless. But we all learn, get through kindergarten, figure out the washroom, understand how to get by.

People overcomplicate life. It’s not some great quest (unless that’s what it takes for you to do anything) − it’s just a process. One step takes you that much closer to your goal. And when we’re a couple miles a head, staring back at some poor soul looking at us from the other side of the river, it never hurts to throw our line back and help the fella out a bit.

We all have valuable knowledge. Like Maestro said, we can share at anytime. People are lost and in search of that experience. And sometimes, they don’t even realize they’re just one book, one class away from success.

Spread the worth, the value. It doesn’t have to be monetary. Teaching people what you’ve learned, if they’re willing to listen and require that information, is some of the most valuable data they’ll get.

And, as a plus, you’ll feel like a champ for helping someone out. That’s what service is about − giving the other guy a hand for mutual benefit; you save their life and they save your soul.

There aren’t many better deals than that.

Alex H.

If you liked this Inspire Halton post, you might also like these other updates:

• Elvis the Electrician 
• Saving the Shipwreck 
• Outsmarting Ourselves 
• The Added Benefits

If you'd like to see Maestro in action, here is the music video to his first big hit, "Let Your Backbone Slide" from Symphony in Effect:

The Added Benefits

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome to the Inspire Halton Update Feed, posting incredible stories and lessons to improve your life and the lives of those you love. Today, we’re going to talk about ‘added benefits’.

Now, many of you may know Regis Philbin, host of Live! with Regis and Kelly (originally Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee) for twenty-two years. I personally was introduced to his work when he was running Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

I remember my Uncle mentioning how Philbin had cool ties. Doing some research now, I find he had a whole monochromatic line of shirts and ties for Van Heusen during the millionaire days. Philbin, a talk show host, became a fashion icon.

It wasn’t the first time he did something unusual for a presenter. Back in the 60’s when he was working on The Joey Bishop Show, Philbin ended up putting out an album on Mercury Records after singing with his idol, Bing Crosby, on an episode.

Regis Philbin was and always will be remembered as a TV icon − he’s starred on it for over 50 years (apparently he’s starting a new show up on Fox this April). But, with that job, he’s also become a leader in fashion and singer at different periods of time.

My point? Simply because you do one job or thing doesn’t mean you can’t get the added benefits of tasks that fit with it. As the lecturing college professor can be an author and a student, so can you put on other titles that float around your work, enjoying opportunities surrounding your main purpose.

Female employees can also be mothers, firemen scout leaders, burger flippers volunteers. Life is rarely as clean cut as television and movies would have us believe.

Many investors diversify to take the ups and downs of the market. Instead of relying on only one meaning in your life, why not get many? Chances are you already serve more than one purpose. Why not try something new and reap the “added benefits” of that area?

Regis is still a television host but his other side-careers make him one of the most interesting we’ve had the pleasure to watch. When it comes down to it, and the end is near, allow yourself the benefit of knowing you, your family and friends can realize you were an interesting person.

After all, few are proud to call themselves average.

Alex H.