Have You Ever Picked Up a Book...
Have you ever picked up a book and wanted to read it in one sitting? But, at the same time, you want to savour every single word of it and not finish it too quickly?
For me, Thirst by Scott Harrison is one of those books. It’s the inspirational story of the founding, and first ten years, of charity: water.
So why this particular story? Why this book?
Making a Radical Shift
I’m always inspired when people are able make, and sustain, big shifts in their lives. Heaven knows, making even small course corrections are a challenge for most of us.
In Scott’s case, he went from being a successful New York night club promoter to volunteer foreign aid worker to charity: water founder.
He chose a life of service in place of a life where he had every human comfort, and pleasure, at his disposal.
And while part of Scott’s motivation is his rekindled Christian faith, he doesn’t make the book about religion. (The irony of a devout atheist coming to his rescue at a critical time is not lost on him).
Using What We Are Already Good At and What We Already Have
Scott was a professional promoter and he still sees himself as being one. Only now his cause is different. Instead of trying to fill night clubs with the right people, he is dedicated to giving access to clean water for every person on the planet still denied that most basic of needs.
Scott leveraged his connections, and the few assets, he still had after he turned his back on his old New York life. The creative ways he did this show that not all of his previous, and self-described, hedonistic life actually went to waste. Some of it became incredibly useful.
Commitment to Excellence and Re-imagining
When charity: water was set up, there was only one other charity like it in the world. The way it is structured helps to deal with one of the universal objections to foreign aid work — where does all the money go?
Given Scott was so new to charitable work, he could very easily have missed this opportunity to re-imagine charity when founded his own organisation. He was smart enough to not miss his once in a lifetime chance.
It’s obvious too that excellence pervades all of what charity: water does. In many ways it has shown existing charitable organisations new standards.
Having Integrity, Even When It Cost Everything
Would we be willing to give up on a dream if it means we have to go back on a core commitment?
Scott faces this very real dilemma — and many others — early on in charity: water’s life — and it takes him time and time again right to the brink.
It is a powerful reminder about how every business or organisation should carefully stake its ground and never be tempted to compromise.
Being Real
To be honest I’m not sure I’d always have liked Scott even though I’m incredibly inspired by his work.
He is deeply honest about his flaws and shortcomings.
Just like the in big narrative of Scott’s life where his previous work experience wasn’t wasted, you see this same theme playing out at a very personal level too. Scott’s weaknesses seem to knit so well together with his many strengths to make him the whole person he is.
It gives hope to all of us.
Scott Harrison is helping to change the world by bringing fresh, clean water to millions of people who so desperately need it. But this story does more than showcase that valuable endeavour. It brings fresh inspiration to any who ponder the question, “when is enough, enough?”
I can’t help thinking how many thousands of people will be propelled into taking more positive action as a result of Scott’s story — and how many more millions of people will be helped as a result.
And that is what I found truly inspiring.
In Australia, Thirst is not yet available electronically and I couldn’t find it on the shelves of my favourite bookstores, so I ordered my copy online.
I am an experienced CEO, business strategist and communications specialist who loves helping great organisations grow. Recent articles include:
How to Deal with a Crazy Schedule – Without Changing a Single Appointment or Commitment
Why We Write Things On Our To-Do List We’ve Already Done
Mining Technology | Digital Solutions | Agnostic Automation | Business Development
5 年“Using what we are already good at and what we already have” these words really made me think. Sometimes we get caught up or pigeoned holed into thinking we can’t take our skills and apply them into other industries/markets, but I now know that is not true. Experiencing life changing events is the most powerful experience in anyone’s existence because it helps you to grow as a person not only in business but in life! If we stay in the one place to long and we don’t mix it up then it can become stale. Push those boundaries, take those calculated risks, live life to the fullest and mostly keep dreaming and achieving those dreams. Happy Australia Day!!