Hello, Friends-
I hope everybody has had a good week. I recently attended a meeting in Nashville and was reminded of my family connections to this fast-growing city. I have a nephew who recently graduated from college and accepted a job in Nashville. Both my father, Beach Brooks Sr. and my brother Beach Brooks, Jr. attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville. I have heard many of my brother’s college war stories. Suffice it to say he thoroughly enjoyed his college experience.
I am also reminded of a story my dad frequently relayed about one of his Vanderbilt professors. This particular professor essentially cemented my dad’s legacy with a simple challenge laced with truth. Apparently, dad was struggling in a chemistry class. After class one day the professor told dad that if he didn’t buckle down he would never make it through medical school. Dad told me this statement gave him singular focus on excelling in his studies. The rest is history, as he graduated from medical school and practiced medicine as a career.
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Some might view the professor’s statement as negative, or demeaning. Our culture has shifted too far for sometimes demonizing “truth” under the guise it is negative or demeaning. Let’s look at the statement made to my dad. Yes, it may have been temporarily hurtful. However, it forced him to take a hard look at himself and to refocus his priorities. That simple statement shaped a life. Truth is important especially when we don’t want to hear it.
Speaking truth so it inspires means doing it with compassion. Truth without compassion can be brutal. Often I find myself in a position of having to speak with my clients about some tough topics. At first one may feel defensive but when reminded that I have their better interest most people are very receptive to hearing the “truth”. This was a great life lesson for my father he passed on to me. I feel fortunate to have had his guidance and input! Just thought I would share my experience/thinking with you guys.
I hope everybody has a good weekend!
Steve
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