Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout

by Rick Rigsby

faith without works is dead.

I had to work on a new mindset.

pity to p...

I had to move from making an impression to making an impact.

the older I get, the wiser my parents become!

You did what was required. And you did it to the best of your ability.

The environment produces workers who emphasize appearance over substance, personality over principle, and convenience over character.

But without a determined commitment to be a decent, hard-working, and honest human being, how strong can a superpower be?

is a void produced by everyday citizens who do not take pride in what they do, would rather finish first than do things right, and would rather look good than be good.

they say what they mean and mean what they say?

They have integrity; there is a consistency between what they say and what they do.

KIND DEEDS ARE NEVER LOST

KIND DEEDS ARE NEVER LOST

law of reciprocity.

Your acts of kindness are stored in the vaults of the soul.

show me a person who practices giving as a lifestyle, and I’ll show you a wealthy person.

“The greatest joys of living are the joys of giving,”

“Humility is the God-given self-assurance that eliminates the need to prove the worth of who you are and the rightness of what you do.”

“Son, it does not cost a dime to be kind.”

Help those who lack the power to reward you.

Bosses, take note that if you are perceived as unkind, expect very little from employees.

mean-spirited,

endears

Son, always be as kind as you can to others—often such a sacrifice will mean giving your best away.

Value, dignity, authenticity, significance, purpose.

employee groups working for pay rather than pride,

“I saw another possibility in life?”

“Kind deeds are never lost!”

“One sure way to make a negative lasting impression is to waste someone’s time!”

“Son, you would rather be an hour early than a minute late.”

“It takes an entire village to raise one child.”

“Just grin and bear it”?

Quitting does not win wars.

Honor is born in the heart when your words are consistent with your actions.

the goal is not to impress, but to impact!

Ironically, even though today we all have more, we seem to help less.

It’s been said that you can’t help others without helping yourself. If you help someone to the top of the mountain, then you’ll find yourself at the top also!

“Son, always put yourself in a position to help somebody else.”

Helping people forces you to move beyond yourself.

Helping people restores value in a culture.

Helping others releases a positive energy!

We live in a culture that would prefer to make an impression rather than an impact.

Son, you have a marvelous opportunity to build value in those around you by looking for ways to help humanity. Remember, no job is beneath you, no task is too unimportant to be left incomplete. Look for those you can help, and your life will be rich with exhilarating experiences, fond memories, and boundless energy from the satisfaction of assisting others. Most of all, the people you help will be grateful, honored, and blessed. My son, there is no higher calling than to reach down and pull another up. Helping is biblical, practical, and in great demand today. Always make time to help another person!

Often, true greatness is revealed in weakness.

shortcomings,

Have we become so busy in our pursuit of things that we are guilty of ignoring the main things?

The time is now to summon up the courage to take the time and the interest to not only talk about excellence, but display excellence.

Are you doing everything in your power to live a life of excellence? Aristotle said, “You are what you repeatedly do. Therefore, excellence ought be a habit, not an act.”

You can learn so much from someone who has been where you are trying to go.

“I’ve never allowed my schooling to get in the way of my education.” So graduates, today your formal education begins! Here’s your first lesson. Find a wise mentor. The mentor must have endured some setbacks, failures, and disappointments—for wisdom rarely is acquired without a storm. Remain with this person for as long as you can. Learn, grow, and prosper!