by Athanase Papandropoulos
Read the following, carefully, and put aside any possible ironic smiles.
I once heard a story about the famous painter Pablo Picasso. He was having dinner in a good restaurant in a big city, when a fan of him approached his table to tell him how much she admired his work. As she perceived that her praises satisfied him, she asked if he would like to draw her a sketch. Picasso found a piece of paper and, with his pen and pencil, immediately sketched the waiters who were carrying delicious ice creams. As the woman grabbed the sketch, Picasso said, "My lady, it will cost you $10,000."
Being shocked, the woman said: "But it only took you five minutes."
"No, my lady," Picasso replied, "It took me fifty years."
The moral of the story? Recognize your self-worth!
Picasso knew how much time he had invested in conquering his art. Until he reached the restaurant, he had invested fifty years of his life in the development of his artistic intelligence. He did not underestimate his value, nor did he allow anyone else to do it.
A few days ago, a friend of mine asked me, "Why do people choose to move safely? Why do they work in fear? "I thought about it for a while and I said," Because they never truly believe they deserve to attract dreamy situations, incredible opportunities and favorable conditions. They refuse to give themselves the opportunity to pursue the significant success."
How much do you think you deserve?
The way you evaluate yourself is proved each day by the way you treat -and talk to- yourself. At the same time, others will treat you the same way you treat yourself. If they feel that you are not sure of your value, then they will treat you at will. Do you believe five minutes of your time worth $10,000? If not, why is that? Haven’t you spent many years investing in your skills, just like Picasso did? Others will appreciate what you are, only when you appreciate yourself.
Simon Bailey writes:
"For many years I was suffering in the basement of obsolescence, experiencing the feeling of insignificance. I was constantly sitting in the middle of the room. I was trying not to disturb the waters. I was receiving what others were giving me as I thought that this was what i deserved. Have you ever felt this way?
I remember asking a friend of mine at that time how much he believed he was worth. He described to me in strong, specific terms how wholeheartedly he believed in himself. I’m sure my eyes were bugged out. I asked him: "What makes you believe you deserve that much?"
"Simon, your value is determined here, between your ears," he said, pointing his head. "You deserve as much as you believe."
One of the issues that I have discussed over and over again - even by myself - working with organizations around the world is the importance of employee appreciation. Actually, I believe that organizations and their leaders can totally recognize the contribution of employees, but the inspired recognition mainly comes from the person.
What we really need is people who truly believe in their uniqueness and who can recognize it to themselves. External recognition should be a pleasant bonus, not the fundamental value that everyone recognizes to himself.
I think many people are addicted to external recognition. I certainly was one of them. As a mediator that aspires to inspire 10% of 6.5 billion people on the planet, before my biological cycle will be closed, I had the willing to communicate with others and become useful. If no one approached me, I was starting to wonder if something was going wrong. Thankfully, I got to a point where I was relieved of the need to be necessary. At this point, I seek self- recognition. If I do not get the recognition from others on a daily basis, I am not going to lose my sleep, because I know that what I do is worthy.
You should realize the following profound truth: Your external experiences reflect your intrinsic value. Your self-esteem is as priceless as a rare diamond. No reason settling for crumbs while you can have your own oven. You deserve it!
By: N. Peter Kramer
