Compared to perfection
Here’s a fascinating story circulating the Internet.
A conversation takes place between a man and a taxi driver. As the man gets into the cab, the friendly driver begins the conversation.
Cab driver: “Perfect timing. You’re just like Jimmy.” The man: “Who?” Cab driver: “Jimmy Soriano. Jimmy is a guy who does everything right all the time.”
The man: “I don’t think there is someone who can do everything right, nobody is perfect.”
Cab driver: “There was one, believe me. Jimmy was a brilliant architect and not only that, he was so good at basketball. He could be in the professional league and he had a great voice, too. He sang so well like an opera baritone, danced like a Broadway star and played the piano so well. He was an amazing guy.” The man: “Sounds like he’s someone really special.” Cab driver: “There’s more... He had a photographic memory. He could remember everybody’s birthday. He’s a cook, he knew which food to order, he understood wine and he could fix anything. Jimmy was someone special.” The man: “Wow, some guy.” Cab driver: “He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams, not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Jimmy, he never made a mistake.”
Cab driver: “And he really knew how to treat a woman, make her feel good and he never answered back even if she’s in the wrong. And his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished, too. He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Jimmy Soriano.”
The man: “That is so interesting. How did you meet Jimmy?” Cab driver: “I have never actually met Jimmy.” The man: “Then how do you know so much about him?” Cab driver: “I married his widow.” It is never good to compare a person with another. I have met wives who do nothing but compare: “How come you don’t earn good money the way your colleague does?”
“Why can’t I have a bigger house, a better car and a fancier bag like my friends in our club?”
It’s hard to live in the shadow of someone great. This is true, not only in marriage, but in other areas as well. Parents ask their kids: “Why can’t you bring home high grades like your older brother?” The same problem also happens in the work place: “Our former manager won’t have the same problem the current one has.”
Comparison demoralizes people. Spouses, bosses and parents might think that by doing comparisons, they are challenging people to become better. But the reverse may be happening instead. People who are being compared lose their confidence. Worst, children may begin to believe that they are inferior compared to their siblings.
Everyone is unique. It is said that God is a wonderful designer. You can get two petals from the same rose, put them under a microscope and you will never find two identical petals. You can go all over the world, but you will never find someone exactly like you. God has His unique purpose for each of us. So comparing one with another is not healthy. Mark Twain says, “Comparison is the death of joy.” Celebrate each person’s uniqueness and help people build their confidence to achieve great things. These are what good leaders do; these are how they create future good leaders.
(You can connect with Francis Kong through Facebook at www.facebook.com/franciskong2 or listen to his program called “Business Matters” from Monday to Friday at 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in 98.7 dzFE-FM ‘The Master’s Touch,’ the classical music station.)