Let respect follow your actions, not a wish for respect
The Internet allows us to reach huge audiences at the click of a button. This is amazing for the most part, but on the flip-side, all it takes is one miscalculated move to tarnish a reputation irrevocably (or at least leave a mountain to climb in order to reverse opinions).
Here are ten basic character traits that I remind myself of now and again, believing that if they can be adopted, the path I create will be smoother than most.
- Be responsible.
When mistakes are made (and they will be) accept responsibility, and don’t blame others. - Be receptive.
When someone pays a compliment, thank them, sincerely. Equally, constructive criticism should be embraced. - Be yourself.
Don’t feel a need to follow crowds. They’re often wrong. - Be honest.
Lies have a sneaky way of catching up. Funny, that. - Be dependable.
When a statement of intent is made, follow it through. Always. And better late than never. - Be sincere.
If it’s not meant, don’t say it. - Be personal.
Share those moments that truly mean something in life. What affect do they have? What was learned? Where next? - Be ethical.
Personal beliefs are likely to be different from what others believe in, but that makes them no less important. - Be empathetic.
Before judging the actions of others, first try on their shoes. - Be humble.
No matter what success is achieved, never forget that it wasn’t accomplished alone.
“Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher.”
— GAUTAMA BUDDHA, FOUNDER OF BUDDHISM, 563-483 BC
If you’ve learned something from my website, always remember that perhaps I’m wrong. Ask questions. Search for your own answers.
Guatama Buddha image via Thinkstock
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10 appreciated comments on “Let respect follow your actions, not a wish for respect”
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Hey David,
It’s really a nice article.
It’s very important for one to know who he/she is, to improve yourself, to be polite and full of manners.
Gautam buddha is my idol coz I am from his city (Bodhgaya).
Your closing line is priceless “If you’ve learned something from my website, always remember that perhaps I’m wrong. Ask questions. Search for your own answers.”
People are losing their sense of individuality, swallowing information without even questioning it, or letting it simmer. We would still think the atom was indestructible if no one delved further!
Bodhgaya looks like an amazing place, Vikash.
Ebi, couldn’t agree more. Those who know everything actually know nothing at all.
My thanks to you both for visiting.
No. 1 – be humble is right on the money David. Especially in the world of design where we let self worth depend so much on what we create. I’ve seen people’s ego’s get pumped up over time because of a good work of a design team.
Design Directors/principles especially need to heed this principle. How we are perceived out there is often as a result of the team that is behind us, not what we’ve done.
Hello David, I’m an avid reader of your blog, but this is my first post. Thanks for the insightful post. However, let me point this little mistake to you. Siddhartha Gauthama is not exactly the name for the Buddhism’s founder. Siddhartha was Lord Buddha’s name while he was a prince, and prior to the enlightenment. He became Gauthama Buddha after the enlightenment and this is the correct name for Lord Buddha. In Buddhism, we consider Siddhartha and Gauthama as two characters. So your photo in fact should read as a photo of Gauthama Buddha or Lord Buddha.
Thank you for this David.
Thanks for the clarification, Miyuru. Much obliged.
So does this mean I should build a website using Flash, after all?
Just kidding. I try to implement very similar ideals – and more – in both my personal and private life. I’m also lucky enough to be in a country where it is easy to have access to great Buddhist teachers. Interesting post, David.
Thank you for the post, David!
It’s something I always knew and felt but never put it in words. Very well said.
I’m currently working with a business advisor/mentor who is trying to school me in being a bit more hard headed in my approach to business. It’s what I do need to address but I don’t want lose my own beliefs and values so this list is a great inspiration to me in that you can succeed without being ruthless and you can still be true to yourself. Thank you for posting this article David.