Be nice.

I was struck by the original photo. "You're never too important to be nice to people". How very true. The more success I have, the more humble I become. I remember that my success is partly due to others helping smooth the way. And I would extend it one step further. Be nice to all that you meet including animals.

I am reflecting on 34 years in the financial services industry. Did I do it all on my own? Hardly. Yes, I put in a ton of hard work. I made more mistakes than you can count but I did not do it all on my own. For example, Roman Arias took a chance on me in 1998, believing that there was a hard working and smart fellow beneath the tough exterior. Pat Vitucci picked me up when I was down in the dumps and showed me I still had worth. And Rose Penelope Yee, CPFA?, CHSA was the one who egged me on to start our 401k practice.

But what of the housekeeper I pass in the hotel hallway? I say "Good morning" to them because it is a good morning. Any day that you wake up looking at the daisies instead of looking up at the daisies is a good day. I also say "Good morning" to them because I see them as a fellow human being. We are both on the same level and playing field.

The higher you go in life/ social status, the more humble you should be. No one is better or beneath you. We all put our pants on the same way, one leg at a time. Try to uplift everyone you meet. Make a difference in people's lives.