2 ways to keep going even when times are tough

Gain inspiration from MDRT members accepting help, providing empathy with financial plans and volunteering for the right reasons.

It’s OK to accept help

In 2005, I lost everything I’d built. My home, my wealth, my career, my ability to earn a living, my confidence and even my own self-respect. How did I lose it? Simply through my own bad decisions and my reluctance to take advice or accept anyone’s help.

Through this, I had one friend who steadfastly stood by me, despite me continually turning away his offers of help. I was determined to stay miserable and convince myself I was a failure. Until the day he threatened to turn away.

Suddenly I realized it was time to listen to the people I had around me, who believed in me more than I believed in myself. They gave of themselves, and they gave me their best ideas. They told me of their own triumphs and disasters. They let me learn from their mistakes as well as my own. They asked for nothing in return, only to see me become successful again.

Today I run a successful business and have achieved many things I once thought were out of my reach. I believe it’s because I’ve had those mentors and the courage to accept the help around me. I also learned their commitment to me helped them be the best person they could be. This was a two-way street. We teach when we learn, and we learn when we teach.   

— Elaine Milne, Dip PFS, Dundee, Scotland, 11-year MDRT member. Watch her presentation.

Join a cause for the right reasons

When choosing a philanthropic organization to be part of, you have to do it for the right reasons. You must have a passion for the cause, a true desire to help them in every way possible. If you serve on their board, your dedication and desire to help them succeed must be evident. Don’t join the board for the purpose of gaining clients.

I remember a successful attorney who approached me to be on the board of an organization I chaired. He indicated a desire to help. However, after being placed on the board, he only showed up occasionally and did very little to assist on various projects. After a year, he approached me complaining he hadn’t picked up one new client. I suggested to him that he hadn’t earned the right. After all, he wasn’t available on a regular basis, and most of the board had the feeling he only wanted their business, rather than being dedicated to the cause.

Board members recognize the difference between those who are volunteering for personal gain versus those who are truly dedicated to the cause. When you earn the trust of your fellow board members, it is then they determine if you are the right person for them to do business with.

— Mitchell Wm. Ostrove, ChFC, CLU, White Plains, New York, 51-year MDRT member

Read more in the Round the Table article.

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