It is often said that a hero needs three helpers. The more benefactors a person has, the more outstanding their achievements. Benefactors symbolize opportunities and resources.
How to increase your chances of encountering benefactors
1. Be humble and modest
An arrogant and self-important person will only attract sycophants who will desert them in times of trouble. Whether in personal or professional life, it is difficult for such a person to find genuine help. Some people become overconfident with a bit of success, especially young people new to their careers. True experts are humble, bowing down like stalks of rice heavy with grain, while those with empty heads stand tall.
Taiwanese educator, novelist, and painter Liu Yong once said: “Do not underestimate anyone, nor yourself, for an ordinary person might be your benefactor, and you could become someone else’s.” When you exude arrogance, others are likely to think: “You’re so arrogant. Don’t expect any help from me.” Excessive arrogance is incompatible with good relationships.
2. Express gratitude and reciprocate favors
In the early 90s, there was a man who went into business and had very good financial success. Every time his business reached a critical point, there were always people who were willing to help. Over time, his business became very successful. However, he made no effort to maintain relationships with those who had helped, and his good luck began to run out. Over time, his friends deserted him, and when his business faced difficulties, no one was willing to assist him, leaving him with no one to turn to.
Human relationships thrive on mutual respect and reciprocity. A one-sided effort, like an imbalanced scale, will eventually collapse. To attract benefactors, you must be virtuous, grateful, and considerate.
3. Be decisive and proactive
Anyone who has read the Three Kingdoms understands that opportunity arises from hard work and proactive effort. Those who are lazy sit back and passively wait for chances, while those who are industrious create and seize the chances that come their way. Remember, it’s crucial to act decisively rather than allowing opportunities to pass you by.
In the Three Kingdoms narrative, characters who achieved success often did so through strategic planning, perseverance, and diligent effort rather than relying solely on luck. Similarly, in real life, success often results from hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take initiative.
4. Be kind and tolerant
Many years ago, a businessman went to a small county to do business and built a factory in one of the towns. One day, the businessman accidentally fell into a river. A farmer nearby saw it and jumped in to save him at once. He did not know who was in the water at the time. The businessman was very grateful. To thank the farmer for saving his life, he assigned many profitable projects to him. In the end, the farmer became the wealthiest man in the county.
Sometimes, you meet benefactors because your sincerity and kindness touch them. Goodwill fosters good relationships. As stated in the Tao Te Ching: “To receive, you must first give.” Always remember, if you do not show kindness to others, do not expect them to help you unconditionally, as they owe you nothing.
5. Develop talents and be of good character
During the Chu-Han Contention, there was a famous story of “Minister Xiao He Chasing Han Xin by Moonlight.” Han Xin was just an ordinary soldier who left the Han camp after being neglected. Upon learning this, Xiao He immediately left his duties and chased after Han Xin without seeking Emperor Liu Bang’s permission.
Liu Bang later asked him: “You didn’t go after the ten generals who left, but this one man — Han Xin — made you, the Prime Minister, risk the loss of your head for the crime of not reporting the incident to me and going after him all night long. Why?”
Xiao He replied: “There are many other generals in the world, but talents like Han Xin are rare.” Later, Han Xin’s strategic brilliance helped Liu Bang conquer half of China, securing his kingdom.
In order to be valued, you need to be a person of substance and good character. Do not expect assistance from others if you are deemed useless or mediocre.
Conclusion
Often, it is not that we lack benefactors, but that we lack the qualities to attract them. To meet benefactors, you must first improve yourself. By following these five principles, you will likely receive help from countless benefactors when needed. Still skeptical? Try it and see for yourself.
Translated by Cecilia
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