My Dear Colleague,

This is the time of year when millions of people exclaim to each other, "Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!" Happy Christmas and a what? Consider this true story.

She walked ahead of him toward the table near the window and sat down. The colorful menu caught her eye and she began to read the front and back covers. But something felt odd. She looked up and realized that he was still standing. He was fidgeting uncomfortably and looking very nervous. With a questioning eye she beckoned him to sit, and he did so, but slowly and painfully. He was like the proverbial fish out of water. The conversation between them for the next hour was a deep insight into the psycho-social forces that shape our perception of the people we think we are.

Let us call them Mr. Brown and Miss Grant. Mr. Brown was terrified. This woman had invited him into a restaurant that was not about eating; it was about enjoying a culinary experience that spoke of charm and elegance. Graceful people with highly cultured table-manners spent big money for fine cuisine. Even the floors and walls were poshly decorated; every surface was impeccably clean; even shiny.

So what was the problem? You might quickly imagine that Mr. Brown was a poor man who was unaccustomed to rich surroundings. That is not half of the story. It turned out that the restaurant was part of an upscale hotel, and Mr. Brown had worked for that company for over a year...as a security guard. He had never set foot into the restaurant-worse yet, he was never allowed to do so, especially when it was in operation with the chic and dashing people there.

As a security guard, he made a salary that was slightly above the minimum wage. It had become clear to him that he was not as good as the wonderful people he served and protected. He had never been invited to a business meeting, planning session or the occasional cocktail party. And moreover, there were physical evidences of his subservience. He wore a uniform and cap. Each night, after guarding the parking lot with the fancy automobiles of his patrons, he bounced and shook on a crowded bus to get home. Even the cloth that made his uniform was coarse...not like the wool or silken fabric of his fine clientele.

What a mind spin this was. Tonight he was dressed in his best outfit and asked to sit in that place of privilege where people could see him-people with whom he had worked for months-people who, he was convinced, knew that he was not worthy of such a setting. But it was too late to turn around and leave, so he slowly sat in that waterless place where a fish does not belong.

Why do I tell you this story? I am trying to express two wishes for you. The first is, I sincerely wish you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. And a what? Yes; more important than Christmas happiness, is a Prosperous New Year. This happiness lasts for a few days at best; and sometimes it serves as a mere cover-up for the pain that will last all year long-all life long, for too many people. Also, happiness does not necessarily bring prosperity, whereas prosperity tends to bring happiness.

On the other hand, while prosperity brings a measure of goodness and pleasure, poverty brings a measure of pain. The pain of financial poverty is great, but far greater is the ache of emotional poverty. One aspect of emotional poverty is a self-concept that is highly tainted by the negative values, expectations and attitudes of society. It is a condition where we feel less worthy because we allow ourselves to think that our physical, social and economic circumstances define us. With all due respect, Mr. Brown was wrong. His work, apparel and financial status did not make him any less important or worthy than the people he served. In fact, one of the few quantifiable marks of our greatness is the number of people we serve, but that's a topic for future discussion.

By wishing you a Prosperous New Year, I mean for you to have the thinking that defines you at a level much higher than your circumstances. Ironically, this way of thinking-when believed and practiced-has the power to generate prosperity that is physical, social and economic. This thinking can drive you to improve the following sequence of causes and effects: your training/preparation, skills, contribution, results and finally, your rewards in life. But never forget, it all begins with the thinking of prosperity-abundance, well-being and fullness of life.

The second reason I tell you this story is to wish that you would reach out and touch a few people who, like Mr. Brown, may feel disenfranchised, disrespected and disconnected from the ‘good life'. Yes, give money when the need is clear, but importantly, give attention; give dignity, esteem and a sense of importance to people this Christmas and throughout the upcoming year.

If my first wish is granted, you will feel wonderful and experience abundance in the New Year. If my second wish is granted, your actions will spread good cheer throughout the year; you will become the starting point for a stream that provides life-giving water to people across your community and nation, not just in the New Year, but for their lifetime.

Oh, back to Mr. Brown and Miss Grant. On that evening in the restaurant, he literally could not eat a meal; his stomach did not allow him. Miss Grant forced him to have a drink after he refused to order--so great was his sense of inadequacy in that place of which he thought himself unworthy.

Why were they together? Miss Grant, the CEO of a successful company, had actually hired him to work for her. He now dresses in a business shirt and tie. He doesn't go to work without his tie; to him, it is a symbol of growth, importance and distinction. Just yesterday, Miss Grant told me that he was recently questioned by his co-workers as to why he was leaving work so early that day. Mr. Brown proudly announced that he was accompanying the CEO on a mission! In his previous job, the CEO had never even said "hello" to him. Mr. Brown now feels like somebody important, acts like somebody important and IS somebody important. His prosperity is measured not only in making more money, but in his renewed sense of dignity.

Would you choose to be prosperous today? Choose to feel prosperous, act like a prosperous person and then become one...first, attitudinally and then economically. I wish you great blessings in this marvelous season. Have a Happy Christmas and a truly Prosperous New Year!

Trust me, this attitude will give you altitude.

Alvin PS: Our first Sales and Personal Empowerment public seminar was outstanding. The next one will be in Ft. Lauderdale on January 27. You will want to be there. Details & signup will be posted soon at the website: www.AlvinDay.com