Stranger Wisdom

When he showed me the six-figure payment he received in that moment, I was impressed but more surprised that he didn't mind sharing that with a stranger. A few minutes ago, we were talking about self-help books. But it didn't strike me as condescending because his demeanor told me he meant well and had a specific intent.

Needing some air and warmth, I went out to sit in front of the cafeteria with a book in hand to pass the time. Seconds after I had just sat, the gentleman stopped in his tracks at the sight of the title I was holding. Intrigued, he inquired about it, as he had not read it yet, and that's how it happened. I figured he was likely an avid reader like myself to ask about it, then I asked him, "What book are you reading now?" And a conversation was lit.

Sharing how intentional he has been for a long time now with the books he read, he talked about how he's been making drastic and life-changing decisions for himself for a long time now. I quickly discerned that I'd gain some wisdom just by listening and learning. And that was when the payment alert came in, and he said, "See, this is a payment from one of his clients."

He had already asked about me and I shared with him what I'm about these days. He could tell I had good ambitions, so he thought to encourage me with his story. And then, for a second, I realized that it was happening—an opportunity to connect and meet inspiring individuals—making me feel glad about the big, scary moves I had been taking lately.

Something interesting was how humility was oozing out of him, even when he was clearly doing very well for himself. I mean, I couldn't know more about him than he told me in that moment, but he sure wasn't trying to impress me or feed off being condescending. He genuinely wanted to connect.

"Take inventory of what you have now. Desire to improve your life. Seek to connect with high-value individuals. Start something and begin to fatten your wallet. There's hardly ever the best time, so why wait? Start now, learn on the job, and time will tell of the difference you'll make with persistence and perseverance." To put most of the wisdom he shared from his experience and success into few words.

It was coincidental how we met, because he only came around to "get out more," as he could very well be home and still do his job daily. Without wasting a second, I asked to exchange contacts. It's pretty much what I have been doing in the last few months. You never know what's going to come out of certain connections with some people.