What I Learned from my Dad in this Downturn

Invariably no matter how well things are progressing we always hit a bump in the road. In this case it happens to be the economic downturn. Like so many others I found myself looking for other opportunities. In spite of the numerous options available not one really sparked an interest for me. I started to feel some doubts about my choices and interpretations of options.

It was at this point I managed to join a family gathering with my parents and siblings. Our parents are retired. They immigrated to the United States from abroad, learned English, found jobs, etc. My father still does work not because he has to but because he likes to. His career path from an employment perspective has numerous companies to his name. However ultimately he became an entrepreneur and thought leader. His accomplishments in life include helping to found Asian language studies at UC Berkeley, mentoring and working with numerous professors from Harvard and abroad on Buddhist and Mongolian studies, chief consultant and contributor to the Museum for Asian Art, numerous mentions, lectures and presentations on Buddhist and Mongolian topics. He is a recognized thought leader helping hundreds of Buddhist and Mongolian experts across the globe from India, Taiwan, Europe, Canada and the United States. Yet in spite of his accomplishments he lives humbly, doing projects in his workshop, going around town speaking with neighbors, and constantly staying involved in the Mongol and Buddhist communities and providing his insights.

One of the greatest things about my dad are his insights. When I told him of my current situation he nodded and gave me a lot of good items to think about:

• Everything changes. Be flexible and open to change; to adjust to what comes. At the same time be committed in what you want to do and do not waver.
• Helping someone is simple. Deciding if you want to help someone is always complex. Most people do not help even if they say they want to. Judge their actions, not their words.
• Rely on yourself; Believe in yourself. There are numerous reasons to doubt. However doing is much better than worrying.
• Learn and apply that learning. This is what we do throughout life.
• Imagine what you can do; see your own potential. We (my parents) came here with nothing and no English. Now we have learned English, have a home, a family, and have done many other things. If we can do this, imagine what you can do.
• Do not be afraid to fail. Learn from it.
• Get advice from others but make your own decisions. Trust in yourself to make the right decision.
• No matter the outcome, so long as you believe that what you are doing is right and you love what you are doing then it was the right decision.
• Respect is earned not appointed. No one immediately respects another. Earn respect through honest deeds and actions. Do not worry about how these deeds appear to others.
• No one is superior to another person. You are all equal. What separates someone who is successful from someone that is not is their belief in themselves.

It is always nice to have a talk with my dad. My parents have always inspired the children to do better and to believe in ourselves. While it is true that we did not always agree on many topics, their success and the wisdom that they share about achieving success have been a constant source of inspiration. Even in a challenging time such as this, my dad's insights have helped re-invigorate my passion and optimism.