Do it Anyway

Gallop. Rasmussen. JD Power & Associates. Consumer Reports. 5 stars. 4 stars. One can look to an overwhelming number of sources to find information on products and services. Many products that are seen and used every day are the result of the endless surveying of public opinion. Find the sweet spot in the market and a product soars to the top. Fail to do the proper homework and hopes and dreams can sink like the Titanic.

Product selections are not the only decisions made based on surveys. Business leaders make decisions where they have to weigh public opinion and profits against their personal beliefs. For example, will a Christian contractor turn down a job renovating an adult entertainment club even though he’s almost out of work and about to layoff a group of loyal employees? Will the owner of a small business invest a portion of the profits into a water purification system in a third world country in spite of the slim margins in a tough economy? Although it is becoming increasingly infrequent, isn’t it refreshing to see a man, woman, or place of business operate from a position of conviction rather than convenience?

In Calcutta, India, the following poem was reportedly written on the wall of Mother Teresa’s home for children (which appears to be an adaptation of Dr. Kent Keith’s original poem).1 It served as a reminder to her that as a child of God, she answered to an audience of One.

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa understood the last line of the poem better than anyone. Her ministry not only touched the sick and dying in Calcutta, but also inspired millions. In her amazing 87 years of life, she started ministries, met with world leaders, and redefined humility. She wielded a remarkable amount of influence, ironically enough, because she refused to be influenced. She experienced great success because she went against public opinion and operated on principle. She did it anyway. Sooner or later the businesses we represent will be faced with decisions that will go against conventional wisdom and popular thought. What will our response be? Will we do it anyway?