3/26/2023 Articles By Sarah
Many times, we only focus on immediate benefits and think that as long as the current situation satisfies our needs, it is enough, without spending too much time on seemingly insignificant but potentially meaningful things. However, this mindset only leads to stagnation. "Don't ask for bread, ask for business cards" is a short article, but it contains a vivid example that can change our attitude towards life.
Kerry and Colin, two young individuals, became beggars due to a flood. The fate of beggars is not permanent, and although they led difficult lives, there would come a day when they would escape their unfortunate circumstances, and all they could do was wait.
One day, Kerry and Colin arrived in New York. They encountered a well-known and influential American millionaire, Mr. Rockefeller, on the street. Colin rushed forward and asked the wealthy man for some money. However, Kerry, who was also a beggar, didn't do the same. Instead, he made a small request, saying, "Can you give me a business card?" Mr. Rockefeller calmly responded to the young man before him, "Don't ask for bread, ask for business cards. You are truly a remarkable young person. How can I refuse you?"
Statement: All images in this news article are sourced from the internet.
However, Kerry's behavior was criticized by Colin. He couldn't understand why a beggar on the streets would need a useless business card. All he knew was that although the money wouldn't last forever, it would keep him from starving for the next two or three days.
Fortunately, three months later, Kerry finally reached a new starting point in his life. Through Mr. Rockefeller's business card, he obtained his first job. Both of them had hopes of starting afresh, but when the opportunity came for Kerry and Colin, their perspectives differed greatly, to the extent that their choices would reflect in all aspects of their lives.
In the end, from three months later to three years later, Kerry had transformed from an inexperienced newcomer to a renowned sales manager. Time represented more than just a series of numbers; each period witnessed Kerry's transformation and also witnessed how a seemingly insignificant request gave him a sense of hope and direction.
Colin, once a fellow vagabond, only focused on immediate benefits at the time and failed to see the bigger picture. As a result, he remained trapped in the path of begging, never to return. The true significance of the entire article lies not in how Kerry and Colin fared in the end, but rather in their choices and how those choices led them to two different value-based lives.
Giving up temporary benefits in favor of long-term development may be challenging. However, if you want to change your life or make it more meaningful, it is crucial to have a long-term perspective. This not only concerns personal interests but also nurtures a mindset of long-term growth in life, ultimately leading to greater rewards and fulfillment.
Article Reference: "Don't ask for bread, ask for business cards" - by Hao Jinhong.
Articles You May Be Interested In
