COMMITMENT OR CONTRIBUTION?  

I was thinking about an old story about a pig, a cow, and a chicken. It seems the pig, the cow, and the chicken were hanging around in the barnyard talking about the farmer.

They all agreed that he was a good farmer and a great caregiver, and they enjoyed living on his farm. The cow suggested that they do something nice for the farmer to thank him. 

The chicken spoke up and said, "Hey, I've got an idea, let's make him breakfast…..fresh milk, eggs, and bacon."

The cow got very excited and said, "I'll give him a glass of the freshest milk ever." The chicken said, "I'll lay for him 3 of the perfect eggs ever." 

Then they both looked at the pig for his response.

"Sure, that's all easy for you. All you have to do is contribute, but I will have to make a full-blown commitment!"

Now I'm certainly not suggesting that we have to commit to the pig's level regarding the bacon. But ask yourself this question, "Do I give my career a full commitment, or do I just contribute?" And if I contribute, do I contribute just enough to get by, or do I make a difference in my life and lives around me?"

The road to success at any level is replete with contributions and commitments. We can turn this economic growth to high levels if we ALL step up to the front line and make things happen. Hiding under a rock mentality in this day and age is bad for you, your company, and the economy.

A few years ago, I was amazed when listening to different interviews on television of a couple of the country's largest and most aggressive real estate purchasers/developers. The commonality was that they all spoke of doom and gloom within our economic theatre.  

Then before the interviews were over, they stated that they were buying properties and businesses up left and right. One even bragged that there was a property that he had waited years for, and now the owners were in a fire sale, and he was right there to put out the fire and elevate their "pain."

I've been preaching for years that these types of investors are the benchmark and the ones to watch. But without hesitation, they choose to deliver a message of despair while growing themselves and their organizations at break-neck speed.  

Take heed of those of you under the rocks. It might just be your rock they use as a steppingstone next. Stand up and be counted in the winner's column!