What Do You Think You Are?

M.D. Holloway · 03-12-2008, 07:10 PM

Been in Mississippi for the past few days - ran a seminar on operational costs and failure. Had a disussion tonight with one of our best guys - top performer. He asked me a very interesting question "So Mike, let me ask you, what do you think your worth? I don't mean your income but your actual worth in terms of what your bring to the world"?

He wasn't being a wiseass - it was based on a discussion we had earlier. If you considered your self a 959 or a top 1%'r, a quality topbreed dog - would you provide your self with the plenty of rest, good food, exercises, no vices, etc. like how you would treat a thoughbred race horse? Like how you would raise your kids (who are worth billions of dollars in your eyes)?

In light of that, it got me thinking. I do think that I am someone who does provide value and insight, providing value to the world I am part of and in my opinion am worth tons. So I guess I think I am like a 959, a topbreed, a thoughbred. If I had a 959 I can assure you I would use only the best engine oil, the purest fuel. I would not trash it nor would I abuse it. So why not treat oneself the same?

masraum · 07:39 PM

interesting. My guess is that there are lots of folks that think they are in the top 5% or even 1% who'd have a hard time finding someone to agree. I also think it works the other way around. (neither is directed at you or what you think about yourself, just a comment).

I do a job, I have stuff that I do, but so far, I don't feel like I've brought lots of stuff to the table. I do think that I've had a positive affect on various peoples lives during my travels, at least I hope so. I try.

I don't know how I'd rank myself really. One person having a positive affect on 10 people, 100 people, 1000, more... I think that any benefit, even if you change 1 person's life for the better that you've done a good thing.

something to ponder, definitely.

Sapporo Guy · 03-12-2008, 07:40 PM

how true

Something that I think many of us forget everyday!

Thanks Lubey!

Hugh R · 03-12-2008, 07:51 PM

You know, I'm not a burden to anyone, I pay my way. At one time I was a "Top Performer" for someone else's portfolio. Now a days, I really don't care if I'm a "top performer" for someone else. I work to help movie crews come home at night not dead or leaking. I do a pretty good job of that. Believe it or not, the OSHA accident and injury rate for movie crews is somewhere between those of bankers and lawyers. I do a good honest job, and I don't really care if I'm a Ferrari or a Fiero. As an aside, I travel a fair amount to far flung parts of the world on my employers buck. So I get to see parts of the world that you'll never even imagine being able to visit.

pwd72s · 03-12-2008, 07:54 PM

I'm a rusted out Chevrolet Vega...

M.D. Holloway · 03-12-2008, 08:01 PM

I hope I am not being misunderstood or maybe I was not clear but either way what I mean is really that if you are someone with lots of selfworth than why not treat your mind and body as it is desevred to be treated?

I could be downstairs right now drinking free singlemalt till I would forget my name but I got to thinking that one tasty glass on ice was nice but anymore would not be treating this 959 very nicely. So, watching 'the Hall' and the Demon Deacons in the Big E while cruz'n the bored and checking my e-mail is a better run for this chassis. Just a personal choice is all...

pwd72s · 03-12-2008, 08:06 PM

What??? You haven't called in a $5,000 hooker? My mind & body are both 65 years old. I'll do as I please, thankee...

That, because I can effing well afford to do so! Financially, physically, AND mentally.

I got nothing to prove to anybody...least of all, myself.

M.D. Holloway · 08:19 PM

I didn't pay much more for my car and I can ride that pretty much anytime I want!

I guess this is in response to self abuse and lack of control. I like to smoke cigars and drink and eat irresponcibly as well as stare with waiting eyes at freestyle girls not that much older than my eldest! Would I like to indulge to the max? Sure but I will try not because I like to take care of the things that mean a lot to me. My kids, my Wife, our home, cars, work product and my scribings - myself. Thats all.

pwd72s · 03-12-2008, 08:22 PM

I only did self abuse until I needed glasses.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Bartenders sure tell me they notice when I'm not around

M.D. Holloway · 03-12-2008, 08:24 PM

sure is cheaper than a $5000 hooker

pwd72s · 08:51 PM

Mike...the stuff you're patting yourself on the back for? Others have done for decades...just routine.

(edit) Mike, we've met...IMO, you're a nice guy. I guess what I'm trying to say here is to not pat yourself on the back for doing what you should do...this might makes folks wonder what you're doing other times?

Apologies for being a bit confrontational..

kstar · 03-12-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

interesting. My guess is that there are lots of folks that think they are in the top 5% or even 1% who'd have a hard time finding someone to agree.

...snip...

There was a survey I read recently (can't find it now) where employees at a company were asked to rate themselves on performance. Some very high percentage of employees (80-90%ish) ranked themselves in the top 10% or so!

Interesting and not directed at Lube/Mike.

Best,

Kurt

M.D. Holloway · 03-12-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Mike...the stuff you're patting yourself on the back for? Others have done for decades...just routine.

(edit) Mike, we've met...IMO, you're a nice guy. I guess what I'm trying to say here is to not pat yourself on the back for doing what you should do...this might makes folks wonder what you're doing other times?

Apologies for being a bit confrontational..

Paul, I think I know what you are saying - it has nothing to do with patting myself on the back but rather self respect is all.

If you think your worth a million bucks, treat yourself like that.

Now, imagine if the world was filled with folks that had high levels of self worth and self respect. That would be pretty cool IMO many problems come with lack of self respect or lack of self confidence.

p911dad · p911dad's Garage

A true appraisal of one's self is the most difficult thing one can do. All of us have many layers of self, taking years to make into a fine veneer, one of which includes self-deception. A true factory "959" is a rare bird indeed. The top performer will be only revealed by the appraisal of others.

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

I've always believed the "fruit should be on the tree", period.

I'm a fruit inspector.

As for self worth, you betcha baby! Top 1% of the top 1% here.
Easy as baking a pie, just look for the fruit.
My grandmothers are to thank for my self worth, God bless 'em both!

Dueller · 03-12-2008, 11:17 PM

Lube..where are you in Mississippi? If you're near Jackson, give me a shout...I'll buy you a single malt and take you to a cigar shop.

Jim

legion · 03-13-2008, 04:40 AM

Quote:

83% of people who work for companies with 1000+ employees think they are in the top 10% of performers in their company.

-Business Week, August 20, 2007

kstar · 03-13-2008, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

-Business Week, August 20, 2007

Thanks for digging that up, Chris!

I think that survey is probably a reasonable assessment. I wonder how many of the 17% were actually in the top 10%? If any, those folks would be my kind of people - extremely effective and exceptionally humble!

Best,

Kurt

futuresoptions · 03-13-2008, 07:19 AM

Whether you are in the top 1% or not, you should always strive to be.... in todays society it seems alot of people strive to be at the bottom. I guess it is mentally less taxing than taking the high road. While going to school I was in the top 1% academically, but I have not reached that level of perfection in my personal life as of yet.... good post... makes you think a little...