“A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of
obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human
morality.”― Winston Churchill
I had a momentous life enhancement realization years ago when I was delivering a seminar in Moldova (formerly part of Romania). The head of the Democratic Leadership Club of Moldova asked me to deliver a seminar on motivation. So many people were getting into politics for non-altruistic reasons – they wanted to gain personal wealth, power and status. The leader of the club wanted a higher level of motivation, one that would bring about helpful change to Moldova.
During the seminar I asked what is the definition of duty? A woman answered with four words that absolutely blew me away and led to many realizations that helped me improve my life: IF NOT ME WHO?
When I was in Ufa, Russia I was delivering seminars and meeting some very fantastic people. At that time I was having a bit of a physical problem which required frequent trips to the men’s room. I was delivering a full day workshop to 100 people in a very stylish hotel. The workshop was on the 4th floor of the hotel, and there was only one public men’s room, it as in the basement. AND THERE WAS NO ELEVATOR. You got the picture.
I ended up huffing and puffing down and up, down and up, etc. at least eight times during the workshop. When I felt the need to use the men’s room I would rush out of the room telling the attendees, “OK, time for a drill!” and have them drill a concept I was presenting. On my sixth down and up trip, I thought to myself, “If not me who?” “If not me who?” “If not me who?”
I have consulted people across the globe, helping them to determine what is the educational and career path that will bring them the happiness, self-respect and satisfaction they want from their studies and work.That is my duty. (I still think about the Ufa ‘adventure, but now with a smile).
Also, I heard a number that did astound me; there are over 150,000 books on the subject of helping people find their statement of purpose; that statement helps answer the question, “If not me, who?”.
Wherever I traveled in the world one of the most common questions and concerns is WHAT DO I REALLY WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE. In a speech that played on YouTube, the speaker commented that he recently went to a 25th reunion of classmates who graduated with him from Yale. He commented they have all been very “successful” in their careers: business owners, CEOs, lawyers, etc. The speaker commented that 80% of those who attended were not happy in how their careers have developed, even though they had achieved financial success and were in high status positions.
They were not living a life founded on the concept of, “If not me who?”, or “What is my duty?”.
As you read the quotes below, what do you feel best answers the question, “IF NOT ME, WHO?”
“Do your duty as you see it, and damn the consequences.” ― George S.Patton Jr.
“I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty … This is my highest and best use as a human.” ― Ben Stein
“Our duty is to be useful, not according to our desires but according to our powers.” ― Henri-Frédéric Amiel
“Duty performed gives clearness and firmness to faith, and faith thus strengthened through duty becomes the more assured and satisfying to the soul.” ― Tryon Edwards
One result of theThe Foundations of Brilliance program is to help a person answer the question, “If not me who?
Here is a comment from someone who recently completed a consultation with me:
“I’ve achieved a lot more professional success in my career than personal fulfillment, and more recently, I’ve wanted to explore why. I knew that part of the reason for this was that elements of my work are incompatible with my personality, but that didn’t fully explain it, so I signed up for the Foundations of Brilliance program to see if I could gain some clarity on the matter. And the results exceeded my expectations.
“In just a few hours, Bernard and I were able zone in on the deeper reason for my dissatisfaction and formulate a profound and inspiring (to me) purpose that fully aligns with my talents and personality and has the power to inspire and IMPEL me into action.
“And for me, defining that purpose was a wonderful experience because although I’ve drafted many sensible and workable goals, intentions, and purposes for various work activities I’ve been involved in, I’ve never had a clear, articulated, overarching purpose for my work that reached the level of vocation–that fired my heart, mind, and soul. And now I do.
“So thank you, Bernard. This means a lot to me.”
For more information how I may be able to help you or someone you know go to www.foundationsofbrilliance.com, write me at bcpercy3@gmali.com, or call me at 323-804-5113.
With much appreciation, and in 2024 determine what is the answer to the question,”If not me who?”
Bernard