Wiser Than You Know
by Steve Goodier
In many areas you are knowledgeable. But do you know that you are wise, too?
Perhaps far wiser than you realize.
Wisdom is more than knowledge. Wisdom is the product of lessons learned in the
school of life. Wisdom can be hard won; for it is often birthed in the ashes of
failure.
Theodore Levitt, of the Harvard Business School, said, "Experience comes from
what we have done. Wisdom comes from what we have done badly." If that is true,
I am wiser than I ever imagined!
One man tells of sitting next to a "wise" woman on a flight to Florida. He was
preparing his notes for one of the parent- education seminars he conducted as an
educational psychologist. Bessie, an older woman sitting next to him, explained
that she was returning to Miami after having spent two weeks visiting her six
children, 18 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren in Boston.
Then she inquired what he did for a living. The man explained that he was a
doctor psychologist specializing in children. He dreaded telling her this, as he
fully expected her to question him for free professional advice during the
three-hour flight. Instead, she sat back, picked up a magazine and said, "So
doctor, if there's anything you want to know, just ask me."
Bessie's years of parenting and grand-parenting gave her what no professional
degrees could -- wisdom. And though her comment may have been made in jest, she
probably could have added much to the seminar.
Don't dismiss those mistakes and tough times you have suffered. Don't discount
your many life experiences. You paid a high price for them. And if you learned
well, they brought you something priceless -- wisdom! For everything you have
done -- EVERYTHING -- has given you experience. And if it did not all go as well
as you'd hoped, then you also gained some wisdom. This wisdom, the progeny of
your setbacks and difficulties, may be your most valuable asset! Who will
benefit from your wisdom today?
Steve Goodier
Publisher@LifeSupportSystem.com is a professional speaker, consultant and
author of numerous books. Visit his site for more information, or to sign up for
his FREE newsletter of Life, Love and Laughter at
http://LifeSupportSystem.com