LifeThought: An apple tree can’t eat its own apples.

An apple tree can’t eat its own apples. It produces them for the benefit of others. Likewise, we must bear fruit for the benefit of others!

If you desire to improve yourself, you really need to know why. Why do you want to change yourself and your life for the better? If you simply want a better lifestyle, own more things, and be a happier person, you are missing the point.

I believe that each and every one of us was placed here on this planet at this particular point in time for a specific purpose. While I do not know what your specific purpose is, I do know what your general purpose is. We are all placed here to serve, in some way, those around us. It is in using our talents and gifts to improve the lives others that we will, as a result, improve ourselves.

I really like this metaphor of the apple tree–or any tree, for that matter. The apple tree produces apples, yet it cannot directly benefit from its own produce. Humans come to pick apples for their own consumption. Birds and squirrels eat the fruit. Some apples fall to the ground where the seeds take root to become more apple trees. Yet the tree, itself, receives no direct benefit.

All of nature is designed this way. Everything is designed to contribute to the world for the benefit of others. Everything in the world benefits from things produced by others. This is just the way it is supposed to be.

If you look at the Bible, or any other sacred texts, you will struggle to find an example of God blessing a person with something simply for that person’s sole benefit. The gifts we are given are meant for us to use in a way that, in turn, blesses others. It’s the way nature works, it’s the way relationships work, and it’s the way business works.

The great sales coach and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, used to say, “You can get anything you want in life if you are willing to help enough people get what they want.” He understood the principle of service to others.

Motivational speakers can be a fascinating source of inspiration during trying times. Their knowledge and expertise can help you to reflect on your life and approach challenges with new eyes.

For example, sports stars have often had to overcome tremendous amounts of adversity and competition in order to rise to the top of their game. Correspondingly, if you would like to learn more about motivational speakers from the world of sports, you can head to the Sports Speakers 360 website.

You, undoubtedly, know some very selfish people. These are also, very probably, some of the unhappiest people you know. They are unhappy because they are out of sync with how we were all created to operate. They are trying to eat their own apples.

Think about your purpose and why you want to improve yourself. It is fine to want a better lifestyle, to own more things, and be a happier person, but you will get these things faster if they are not your prime objective. Seek to use your fruit for the benefit of others, and you will be fruitful.

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Do you agree or disagree with what I’ve written? I’d love to hear your comments!