This is my 3rd lesson learned from dad which I hope resonates. My dad always told me to pay attention to two things in order to succeed in life. Success as you know is not defined by how much money we have it is in fact how fulfilled we are with where we are in life.

He taught me to understand the economy and human psychology.

My father lost his dad when he was only 4 years old, and he and his two sisters grew up in relative poverty. However, my Grandma was a proud lady she worked at home, and rolled the Indian cigarettes to make enough money to buy vegetables to feed her children. My Grandfather did leave a home of their own. My dad left school at the age of 14, one of his greatest regrets was that he did not have an education. I suppose that made him even more determined to be self taught, and he also had this hunger for knowledge. In our home BBC world service was always on throughout the night, and we got the FT.

Those who met him will say he was like a living encyclopaedia. I digress a little but due to the poverty in his childhood my father knew the importance of money. Without money he would say we cannot help others.

He learnt to read the markets at a very young age, and dabbled in the share market. It was from him I became addicted to checking the FTSE index. I learnt from him the value of money and the power of saving. He was far better than I, something I deeply admire about him. When I found myself dealing with the probate after his death I discovered the many carefully chosen investments he had. His sharp mind meant though he left school without much education he was financially very savvy. I learnt from him how to live within my means, give and save.

On the subject of understanding human psychology dad used to say we buy from people we like. It is futile to expect others to understand us, we must strive to understand them, and their wants. He was a charismatic person, growing up I was so used to our home being full of trustees attending meeting in our home about the Temple, or a committee of a bank discussing matters late into the night. He also had the knack of being able to connect with people from all ages and backgrounds. He would literally hold court, and others would be mesmerised listening to him. He knew how to inspire, and how to influence without effort. I remember the many occasions where he would give a speech to a large audience without notes whereas, with me being a trained lawyer I would find these experiences somewhat challenging. He was a confident man but he made other people in his company at ease.

As I write this I am beginning to realise I grew up with an artist who was a class act. By the way, my dad had very long hands, and fingers, and yes, he was also an artist. If we fail to understand others we cannot evolve into better beings.

Does this resonate with you? If yes, please check my previous posts, repost, like and share. 💛

©DMP