Give Yourself the Precious Present
The Precious Present, by Spencer Johnson, has nothing to do with material objects or wishes for what you desire. It is about finding your own path and exploring self-growth. As you read the book, you may figure out what the precious present is before the boy in the book does. Or, you may be like that boy, and wonder about this gift right along with him. Either way, the precious present isn’t something that is given to you, it’s something that you give yourself. In essence, that gift is happiness.
In the workplace, the message of this book applies to the saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Lessons on What You Do With Your Life
What you choose to do in life is your choice. Choose something that makes you feel good. Something that makes you feel proud. Something that isn’t work at all, because you love doing it. You shouldn’t even call it work. It should be something you are passionate about. If you find your passion and pursue that, you will be happier.
People spend about one-third of their life working. Think about that, and let it sink in. One third. Why should any of us choose to settle, and live for a paycheck just so that we can enjoy the other two-thirds of our lives? Why not enjoy our lives every step of the way, knowing we didn’t just settle?
Add Value
Make sure that whatever your passion is, or whatever you decide to do, you’re adding value. If what you’re doing has value, people will value you. That value will give meaning to your chosen path. It won’t be just a hobby, or a means to an end. It will be something that has added to someone’s life or a situation. For example, if you love woodwork and you want to make custom signs for others, do it! Does it hold value? Definitely. You’re using your passion and skill to create something special and unique for people. Your precious present adds happiness to others’ lives by allowing them to decorate their homes, where they spend one-third of their lives. You’re creating value for those people, and they will value you for what you have provided.
Find Your People
Surround yourself with “your people.” These are people who share the same values, morals, and beliefs as you. People who you would call friends, and whose company you enjoy. People who are a team, who work for each other and their families, and not just for themselves. Those are “your people.” If you have found them, you’re one step closer to happiness. You’re going to want to come to hang out with your people and create memories. They become a part of your family.
Get Paid!
The best part about finding your happiness is that you get paid to do it. When you chose your passion you can create a life that you love. You add value to your life and to others’ lives. Creating this life allows you to work with people you can call friends and family. When that happens, it’s no longer work, but something you love to do.
Don’t work another day in your life. Choose a path that will create happiness in your life and make money doing it!
Overall “the precious present” isn’t a tangible object. It’s the choice to appreciate what’s around you in the moment, and not let the past or the future loom over you. Be in the present and choose to be happy.
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