LOVE AND ADMIRATION

Distinguish between "love" and "admiration." Being admired means to be respected for your accomplishments. But being loved means being appreciated for the essence of who you are -- blemishes included!

Although achievements may gain you admiration, it's not going to gain you love. Anyone who seeks the admiration of others usually loses it. But being loved by others lasts a lifetime.

The greatest gift you can give to someone is wisdom. A pair of socks is worn for a year, but the right insight can change someone's life forever.

From now on, whenever you learn a piece of wisdom, think how you can apply it to give someone else pleasure.

Don't forget to "gift wrap" the wisdom -- i.e. focus on the person to whom you are speaking and make it relevant to him. Don't bore people, aggravate them, or mutter the words straight and cold. Even if you're repeating an idea that's "old," convey it with the same freshness as the day you first heard it.