I love stories that show people doing the right thing – especially when it’s the opposite of what we all expect. When Christian Lopez caught Derk Jeter’s 3,000th hit, we all probably fantasized about the potential revenue the ball could have generated for Lopez on eBay or Craig’s List.
But he had a different fantasy. He presented the ball to Jeter instead of profiting from it. He looked beyond his personal gain to do the right thing and honor Jeter in the process. Very cool. And yes, he did get stuff in return from the Yankees and quite possibly from Jeter. But it was the intent that I like.
Every single day, we have the opportunity to do the right thing and in the process, make someone else’s life better. I’m guilty of looking past those opportunities because they require more of me than I’m often willing to give. But when I do see them, an amazing thing happens. I connect with the other person on a very human level and then I feel much better about myself.
So, in the end, I am serving myself – in a through-another-kinda-way.
So, do the right thing. Think of others. And see if you aren’t more profitable in the long run.