Spencer Johnson - The Present: The Gift That Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life

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A Timely Gift From the Author of Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Spencer Johnsons stories of timeless, simple truths have changed the work and lives of millions of readers around the world. Now comes an insightful new tale of inspiration and practical guidance for these turbulent times.

The Present

The Present is the best gift you can receive because it makes you happy and successful!

Whether it means...

• Having peace of mind and feeling more alive; or
• Being more productive and more prosperous; or
• Finding whatever is important to you and tothose you work and live with.

Dedicated to all of the people who are a part of this book, especially my family.

LATE ONE AFTERNOON , Bill Green received an urgent phone call from Liz Michaels, who he used to work with.

She had heard Bill was experiencing great success, and she got right to the point. Could I meet with you soon? she asked. He thought he heard a strain in her voice.

Bill said yes and rearranged his schedule so they could meet for lunch the next day. When Liz entered the restaurant, he noticed how tired she looked.

After some small talk and ordering their meals, Liz told him, I have Harrisons job now.

Congratulations, Bill said. Im not surprised youve been promoted.

Thanks, but the problems are mounting, she admitted.

A lot has changed since you were with us. We have fewer people, but more work. Its harder to try to get everything done.

And Im just not enjoying my work and life as much as Id like to.

By the way, Bill, she added, changing the subject, you look good.

I am good, he said. Im enjoying my work and life! Its a nice change for me!

Oh? she said. Did your job change?

Bill laughed. No, but it feels like it. It all came together about a year ago.

What happened? Liz wanted to know.

Bill began, Remember how hard I used to push myself and others to get good results? And how much time and effort it took us to get things done?

Liz laughed. I remember all too well.

Bill smiled, as though amused by his old behavior. Well Ive learned a few things. And so have many other people in my department. Were getting better results, faster and with less stress.

And to top it off, Im enjoying life more.

Whats happened? Liz asked.

If I told you, you probably wouldnt believe it.

Try me, she replied.

He paused and then said, I heard a story from a good friend of mine. It turned out to be a real gift. In fact, the story is called The Present.

What is it about? Liz inquired.

Its a story about a young man who discovers a way to make his work and life more enjoyable each day!

Each day? Liz asked.

Yes. That is the heart of the story.

After I heard it, I thought a lot about the story and how I could benefit from using it. I started using what I learned, first at work and then later in my personal life. It had a big impact on me, and others began to notice.

Like the young man in the story, Im happier now, and Im doing a lot better.

How? Liz asked. In what way?

Well, I now concentrate better on what I am doing. I learn more from what happens, and Im able to plan better. I can focus now on getting the more important things done, without taking so long to do them.

You got all that out of one story? Liz seemed amazed.

Well, thats what I got out of the story. Different people get different things from The Present, depending on where they are in their work or life when they hear it. Of course, some people just dont get it at all.

The story is a practical parable, Bill continued. So its not just whats in the story. Its what you take out of it that gives it value.

Liz asked, Can you tell it to me?

Bill sipped his glass of water and then said slowly, Liz, I hesitate because youve always seemed to be so skeptical. And this is the type of story you might dismiss too easily.

At that point, Liz let her guard down. She confessed that she was under a great deal of stress, in her job and personal life, and had come to lunch hoping to get some help.

Bill remembered when he felt that way.

Liz said, I really want to hear the story.

Bill had always liked and respected Liz. So he said, Id be happy to tell it to you, if you agree that what you get and use from the story is up to you.

And, he added, if you find it useful, that you will share it with others.

Liz agreed and Bill continued. When I first heard it, I realized at some point in the story that there was a great deal more to it than I had anticipated.

I found myself taking notes throughout the story to help me remember the insights I might want to use later.

Liz wondered what she might find useful for herself. She took out a small notepad and said, Im ready to listen.

Then Bill began to tell the story of The Present.

ONCE THERE WAS a boy, who listened to a wise old man, and thus began to learn about The Present.

The old man and the boy had known each other for more than a year, and enjoyed talking together.

One day the old man said, It is called simply The Present because, of all the gifts you might receive, you will find this present is the most valuable one of all.

Why is it so valuable? the boy asked.

The old man explained. Because when you receive this gift, you enjoy things more, and you are able to do whatever you do better each day.

Wow! the little boy exclaimed, although not fully understanding. I hope someone gives me The Present someday. Maybe Ill get it for my birthday.

Then the boy ran off to play.

The old man smiled.

He wondered how many birthdays would pass before the boy would realize the value of The Present.

The old man enjoyed watching the boy play in the neighborhood.

He often saw a smile on the youngsters face and heard him laughing as he swung from a nearby tree.

The boy was happy and completely engaged in whatever he was doing. He was a joy to behold.

As the boy grew older, the old man couldnt help but notice the way the boy worked.

On Saturday mornings, he would occasionally observe his young friend mowing the lawn across the street.

The boy actually whistled while he worked. He seemed to be happy no matter what he was doing.

One morning the boy saw the old man, and remembered what the old man had told him about The Present.

The boy knew all about presents, like the bicycle he got for his last birthday and the gifts hed found under the tree on Christmas morning.

But as he thought more about it, he realized that the joy of those presents didnt last very long.

He wondered, What is so special about The Present?

What could make it so much better than any other present?

What could make me happier, and better at doing things?

Wanting answers to his questions, he crossed the street to ask the old man.

He asked what a young boy might ask. Is The Present a magic wand that can make all my wishes come true?