Help Others - Help Yourself

By Zig Ziglar

Somebody once made the observation that the person who is wrapped up entirely in himself makes a very small package. It is also true that the package often contains a time bomb!

I love the 1977 Guideposts Magazine story about a man who was hiking in the mountains. He was taken by surprise in a sudden snowstorm and quickly lost his way. He knew he needed to find shelter fast or he would freeze to death. Despite all of his efforts, his hands and feet quickly went numb and he knew that something must be done immediately or he would freeze to death.

In his wandering he literally tripped over another man who was almost frozen.

The hiker had to make a decision - should he help him or should he continue in hopes of saving himself? In an instant he made a decision and threw off his wet gloves. He knelt beside the man and began massaging his arms and legs. After the hiker had worked for a few minutes, the man began to respond and was soon able to get on his feet.

Together the two men, supporting each other, found help. The hiker was later informed that by helping another he had helped himself. The numbness that had stricken him vanished while he was massaging the stranger's arms and legs. His heightened activity had enhanced his circulation and brought warmth to his hands and feet.

Isn't it ironic that when he lost sight of himself and focused on someone else and their predicament, he solved his own problem? It's my conviction that the only way to reach the mountain peaks of life is to forget about self and help other people reach greater heights. Buy that concept and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 27 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.