A MOTIVATED GUY
Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do…
“You luke like a moteevated guy!” He said in a foreign accent. A little surprised, I just shrugged. “How are you a motivated guy?” He pressed me. “Just the way I was born.” I said cooly, a little caught off guard by the tailor of the place I was picking up my suit for my niece’s wedding from. “Born that way?” He chuckled, “I thought maybe it was za energy drink or something!”
I’m not sure he didn’t have the disease I think they call “blurting,” but I love it when someone opens the door to their life and invites me in to take a look around. “Why are you motivated?” I blurted – I mean, returned the question. “Oh – I don’t know.. Maybe not moteevated – I happy… One man is happy is the other man’s crap! – You know?” He explained in his broken accent. “I know exactly,” I responded, “You love what you do – I’d say that’s true success.” “Yes – Yes!” He agreed, “Maybe I not rich, but I do okay – I happy!” He explained with the cloth tape measure draped around his collar, as his eyes peered out over the skinny reading glasses with his bushy brown eye brows casting shadows over them.
I grinned as he went on to wait on another customer while his wife was in back removing the tags from the jacket and pre-tying my tie so I wouldn’t have to find someone to do it for me later. Tying a tie is just one of those things I couldn’t ever bring myself to pay attention to as a kid or even now as an adult.
Maybe seldom ever having to tie a tie, or better yet, wear one, is a sign of success? It truly does make me happy to not have one of those things around my neck… Maybe the person defining success should measure from the inside out instead of visa versa?
The older foreign tailor and I have much in common, I just don’t think he knew it. That small custom tailor shop that sells suits of the same or better quality than the high-end men’s shops for less money has been in that strip mall a long time. That man and his family have been working diligently for decades at a business he refuses to let fail against all odds.
I sense the gratification in those tired eyes. He knows that hard work and perseverance bring joy to the soul of the person whose hands and minds toil relentlessly to accomplish their goals and dreams. His work ethic and attitude is more American than many of the Americans I see daily.
I believe society has twisted the meaning of success and happiness. People now seek fun, rest, and relaxation as the meaning of those words. How many people do a job they loathe, but are too scared to attempt to live out their real passion? Worse yet are the ones who do give their dreams a go, seeking happiness and success, but throw in the towel at the first, second, or third sign of adversity?
We as a society have been tricked into believing adversity is a bad thing.
Without adversity there is no hero.
Without pressure there is no growth.
Without failure there is no true understanding of success and happiness.
If we can grasp physically pushing against a weight will ultimately make us stronger, why can’t we grasp it mentally or spiritually?
“You happy wit de soot?” He asked as I was leaving. “Sure!” I answered with a smile, “More importantly my wife is happy!”
He chuckled and waved…
Some things are universal…
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 3:21 am
your comments are spot on Floyd. We have truly messed up the definition of success. For me, I am glad I don’t have to wear a tie (although i will wear one for funerals and weddings). Most of all, I am grateful I have a wife who does not require the trappings of so-called success to love me.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 6:59 am
Thanks, Bill. I think it’s part of the generations that goes before to teach a bit more in detail about what success really is. It really seemed to change from a character issue into a possession and sales issue in the 80’s. I too am glad for a wise wife with simple desires… Except for the suits and tie to match her dress at family weddings…
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 5:52 am
I actually like to “tie one on” but you post is spot on bro’. I posted this little gem this AM.
“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.” – Eliza Tabor
Life is hard but the character we receive from that is one that can choose to believe in the goodness of God…even in the hard things.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 7:01 am
Wow. Great quote, Jay. Much wisdom in those words. I’m comforted to know I have brothers and sisters around all over the map that have the qualities our Father loves. Thanks. And nice job getting me to laugh this early in the day! Only you, Jay! Only you…
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 7:06 am
As usual was filled with agreement and chuckling a bit.
B/C my husband was an AF officer and has been a pianist at churches, weddings, etc., since he was in his teens, he can tie his ties so fast and easy it amazes me. I would never be able to do something like that. I guess it all comes under you do what you have to do … especially when God puts you in a certain place at a certain time.
Expect you looked “loverly” for the wedding and that would make your wife and girls and family and friends whistle loudly. 😉
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 10:02 am
Glad to give you a chuckle! I suppose it’s like anything else; you get used to it. Maybe I associate wearing a tie with less than perfect scenarios! That could explain a lot! You know that I wouldn’t have picked the color of that tie! Thanks, Joanne.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 7:25 am
Do you know that I heard from a counselor friend that this next generation of kids coming up are mostly uninterested in getting their driver’s license or driving a car? That speaks volumes into the attitude of this day and age. It’s lazy, lackadaisical and uncaring about anything but what they want in the moment that they want it. They don’t know or care to know the value of hard work and perseverance. I’ve always said that if I never got any other crowns when I got to heaven I would most definitely get the crown for perseverance because I learned the value of trying and continuing to try a long time ago. I wish more people felt that way.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 10:06 am
I agree completely, April. People miss one of the best gifts of this life; working hard by using our free will to accomplish difficult tasks and the gratification that comes with it! The kids who have no desire have had their birthrights ripped from their souls! Seeking gratification in pleasure leads to death I think; spiritual and physical. Thanks for the wise words. And thanks for your hard work on this site and my business ones!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 8:32 am
So glad you shared this! Yes, many have forgotten (or never learned) what real happiness is. It’s not found in material things…though those are nice.
It’s my prayer this holiday season that many will remember the real reason for the season and we will see the Joy of Christ settle in the hearts and minds of God’s people and that it will carry us through the next year.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 10:07 am
That’s a great prayer, TC. I’ll pray for that with you. May the eyes of our hearts as a nation be open to His truth. Thanks, TC.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 4:01 pm
Great thoughts. I have always considered success being different to everyone. However, it has little to do with wealth, possessions, or what we wear. I consider success finding and focusing on my God given purpose and talent to help and add value to others. If I can do this I’m successful. It starts at home and works out from their.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 5:46 pm
Well said, Dan. It takes considerably longer for some of us to figure that out. God does have a way of working things out when we have the right priorities and perspective I think. You certainly add value here and I do appreciate it, my friend.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 5:48 pm
Yes He does”) I’m glad to know you and glean your wisdom and insights.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
Thanks, Dan. That goes both ways. That’s how great God is!
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 6:43 pm
Amen:)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 7:06 pm
For the word Motivated – – The thesaurus used these words: aggravated annoyed provoked. I wouldn’t have thought of those as an explaination. Motivated to me is a desire to do well, to better one’s self, and if you will – – to succeed.
The unmotivated are the annoyed ones, who care less about doing a good job and being proud of finishing a task. You were motivated to wear a tie, perhaps you were aggravated at having to do so? Your photo has you looking good and I am sure your wife, daughters, and your niece appreciated you being dreesed for the occasion. Good post as always!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 9:59 pm
Thanks, Hazel. My wife looks forward to weddings for that very reason; for me to dress up and her as well. We don’t do that too much. Note that her dress matches the tie, or at least close, to what she picked out for me… even though she didn’t have her dress with her when she picked it!
I’m like you, I think he meant motivated the same way you and I interpret it! He was a good guy.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 7:16 pm
Floyd, I needed this reminder “If we can grasp physically pushing against a weight will ultimately make us stronger, why can’t we grasp it mentally or spiritually?”
I’ve been doing a bit of mental and spiritual pushing lately. Your words remind me of the ‘why’ and the guarantee I have in my Father. Thank you for sharing this.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 @ 10:04 pm
Thanks, Ngina. Funny… The words that I think have the deepest meaning of what I write and really are the summary of what I’m trying to say, you always pick up on… I’m not sure if it’s because we think so much alike or God is speaking to our souls in similar ways at the same time, but it’s more than profound. It is comforting in spirit. Whatever it is in our Lord I thank you for your heart and obedience…
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 6:25 am
Great Wisdom! And I love the accent, Floyd! Made me chuckle.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 5:56 pm
Thanks, Diane! It’s good to chuckle! Wisdom is everywhere if we’re looking for it isn’t it?
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 10:09 am
If we can grasp physically pushing against a weight will ultimately make us stronger, why can’t we grasp it mentally or spiritually?
That statement makes it simple but deep…God wants to use the hard times to developed His charecter in us…cannot happen without some spiritual dumbells. I am thinking about Romans 5:3-5 We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulations brings about perseverance and perseverance, proven charecter and proven charecter, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
For me this is God’s gym. We will either lift tribulation up to Him to give us strength to perseverance or we will stay weak in our faith. Great post my brother…time to exercise.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 6:31 pm
Thanks, Betty. I agree completely. When we seek Him and stop ourselves and remind our mind that we can use that gift of free will to stand up under the trials and bring Him honor and demonstrate the power that is greater than any physical power in this cosmos. Time for all of us!
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 12:54 pm
Love this post, Floyd! You are so right. We have confused joy with pleasure and it’s killing us. Contentment is not based on circumstances, it’s a choice we make as we follow Jesus. Just all kinds of good stuff here.
And I’m with you, I only wear a tie if ABSOLUTELY necessary, and by that, I mean of course, when my wife tells me it’s absolutely necessary. 🙂 Thanks Floyd.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 6:33 pm
Thanks, Jason. You got a chuckle out of me with that comment about our wives! I don’t know why I fight it so much, it really isn’t that big a deal, especially if it makes her that happy. Gotta rethink that one!
It is a choice, Jason. The gift of free will in action. Well said.
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 4:27 pm
The word success just like the word wealth mean different things to different people. I learned a while back that success like wealth are frames of mind. To me, being successful is enjoying your life no matter what your situation is. Being wealthy is being grateful and happy with what you have. Also, looking at the scriptures shows me that no one that follows God is without adversity; it’s how we’re refined. If we have adversity, we know God is working with us. I, like you, rarely have to wear ties, but when I do, it’s usually something bright and loud like my favorite happy-face tie. 🙂
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
Why am I not surprised, Mike?! Great definitions of wealth and success. When God is at work we know there is wisdom and strength forthcoming… Whether we like it our not! After all, we have given the reins of our life. And the yoke is easy and the burden light. Thanks, Mike… A happy faced tie, huh?
Friday, November 30, 2012 @ 2:23 am
You write so graphically. I love it. So who blurted between the motivated and moteevated guy?
We fear adversity because we like comfort and think that one can bypass it and jump through ‘Egypt’ to ‘Canaan’ without the wilderness experience. Whatever we peceive as success – we have to work to get it, push that weight and appreciate every step of the journey. Thanks for the admonition Floyd.
I pray that we may never give up even in the face of adversity.
Friday, November 30, 2012 @ 7:00 am
Thanks for sharing and adding, Maureen. That prayer is powerful! I too share your sentiments and your prayer. I appreciate your passion, Maureen. It is encouraging.
Friday, November 30, 2012 @ 11:21 am
I know what you mean. I’m thinking about being in a “successful” marriage. Bob and I aren’t political powerhouses. We aren’t movers and shakers. At my last “dinner party”, we ordered pizza. We have an average income. But I’m married to a man I love whom I wouldn’t change one thing about. And he treats me with such love and affection. We want good things for one another, often putting the other first (which, trust me, is work.)
Important people would find us quaint at best, irrelevant at worst, but I envy no one. I think that is success.
Great things to ponder, Floyd!
Friday, November 30, 2012 @ 5:31 pm
I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed your heart and wisdom… You have a way of making a point that is beyond argument and warms a soul at the same time. I’d say that’s success in it’s own right. I’m with you. We march to the beat of our own drum too. I’m way more comfortable in my old ripped up sweatshirts and baggy shorts than anything else. I also agree that to live a life with contentment that has no thought of envy is peace and joy from God above… and real success. Thanks, Helen! It’s wonderful to hear from you, my friend.
Friday, November 30, 2012 @ 3:37 pm
I am so late to the party! Been otherwise occupied
The post encouraged me. Working on my dental assisting school is a never ending chore and at times I wonder if it’s worth the effort monetarily. I have had to refocus and reinvent more than once. When I asked God if I was done, He made it clear that I wasn’t. This week received a letter form a student stating how that she is rethinking her whole life from food to habits long term commitment to learning and study. She thanked me for “motivating her and opening her eyes”, and that she will never be the same. Wow! Ultimately, I guess I can call that “success” Thanks Floyd for the encouraging post!
Friday, November 30, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
Good for you, Nancy! Every once in awhile God brings along someone to reaffirm what it is He has us doing. It is the determination and heart that leave a legacy. With all you’ve accomplished in this life and all the people that you touch, I’d say success should be your middle name! Thanks for using that wisdom and success on me and all who share your life and words.
Sunday, December 2, 2012 @ 2:12 pm
I love the picture with this post! Ya’ll clean up good! I agree, the world is upside down and it’s always encouraging how you look to God as the only map for navigating choppy waters!
Sunday, December 2, 2012 @ 7:30 pm
Thanks, Audra. We do clean up once in awhile! We are both blessed to know that God indeed is the only way through any type of circumstances. Besides, you and I look at things in pretty much the same way! That’s why we enjoy one another’s stuff! Need I remind you of your Bed Bath And Beyond post!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 @ 12:55 pm
Fantastic post Floyd – so true on all accounts. By the way, you might not like wearing it, but the suit and tie look great!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 @ 5:12 pm
Thanks, Cody. I know for sure that type of outfit looks better on you! I’ve seen it first hand! I know you know about hard work too… In all aspects of your life. You know I respect that.