How is your lifestyle?

Do you inspire people, or do people get depressed when you’re around?

Some people brighten up the room by leaving it. And then again, some people consistently inspire others with their mere presence, their words and their actions – in a word, their lifestyle.

Mention the word “lifestyle” and most people would think of the standards of the rich and famous, or the absurd behavior of rock stars. We’re talking about neither.

The lifestyle I’m talking about concerns simple things, like how much you tip those who have served you for one. This is an indication of the lifestyle you live. You may leave a restaurant thinking, “They’ve charged me service charge anyway,” or “Hard-working and honest people should be rewarded.” It’s all a question of class.

One overly demanding customer, who regularly dined at a restaurant, specified his order to the waiter: “I’ll have some raw oysters, not too large nor too small, not too salty nor too fat. They must be cold, and I want them quickly!”

The waiter replied, “Yes, sir! With or without pearls?”

The late motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, “I used to feel good when I left a big tip after the service. And now I feel better when I give a big tip in advance even before the service. And boy, would you be surprised at how good a service I always get!”

Do you treat the people down the corporate food chain with respect? That’s class. Or do you relish using “colorful” four-letter words in your vocabulary? That’s crass.

Do the servers smile the moment you enter the establishment, or do they look away? It’s got everything to do with your lifestyle.

I’ve met people who wear designer brands all over, including their undergarments. But when it comes to tipping they don’t. And when it comes to giving, they won’t. These people may have the designs, but clearly they don’t have style. And they certainly don’t have class.

Don’t be a miser. Who’s a miser? A miser is a person who lives poor so that he can die rich. Misers make very good ancestors. Ever noticed the word “miserable” has the words “miser” and “able” in it?

After being away on business, Jimmy thought it would be nice to bring his wife a little gift. “How about some perfume?” he thought, and asked the cosmetics clerk for one. The cosmetics clerk showed him a bottle which costs P3,000.

“That’s a bit much,” Jimmy said, so she got a smaller bottle which costs P1,500.

“That’s still quite a bit,” Jimmy complained. Growing annoyed, the clerk brought out a tiny, P500 bottle.

“What I mean is,” said Jimmy, “I’d like to see something really cheap.”

The clerk gave him a mirror.

Don’t be cheap! Don’t just learn how to earn. Learn also how to live and how to give. Many people I know who are happy and prosperous today are those who have been generous and kind. So be generous, and inspire. Make sure your every word and your every action inspire people to become better.

Scriptures say that we are to give liberally and to give cheerfully. Now I know why.

(Attend Francis Kong’s once-a-year big event this March 1, 2013 entitled, “Inspiring Excellence” at the SMX Convention Center. Learn best practices on business, finance, and good citizenship from Butch Jimenez, Chinkee Tan and Alex Lacson.  For registration and tickets, call Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. at 632-6310912 or 09228980195. You can also send an email to [email protected].)