Many times, it is in the split second decisions that the fortunes are made or lost.

Storyline:

When I was young, not afraid to be curious and naïve about social status and etiquette, I asked a question to my grandfather. “Why is it that all these supposedly very smart (learned) people are not as rich as these other folks whom we call Banias (street merchants)?” His answer lay in an ancient Indian story.

There were two roommates. One of them was called Learned and the other one was called Merchant. Learned was supposed to be very educated because he had read almost every good book in the world, carried credentials from many well known schools, and knew many things about processes and procedures.

In contrast, Merchant was considered from the lower class because he had not read many books, did not even know the names of most of the institutions that Learned had gone to, and was ignorant about processes and procedures.

Early one morning, Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, came to the door of these roommates with the intention of blessing one with a great fortune. Learned was an early riser and opened the door. Seeing Goddess Laxmi eagerly waiting to bless someone, Learned told her, "Please wait, let me wash my face and brush my teeth before I take your blessings on my forehead.” Learned was only following instructions as it pertained to the local code of conduct. Learned rushed into the bathroom to wash his face.

While this was going on, Merchant woke up and went to the door. Seeing Goddess Laxmi, eager to bless somebody, Merchant wasted no time in putting his head forward and asked for her blessings. He decided that he would have the rest of his life to wash his face and brush his teeth, but knew that he might never see Laxmi again.

When Learned returned from the bathroom, Laxmi was gone. Merchant was the one blessed with fortune and good luck. "And that’s why Bania’s (Merchants) are richer than the Learned people," said my grandpa as he finished the story.

Reflection:

The difference between a successful person and an unsuccessful person, between a successful business and an unsuccessful business, is not in the lack of ideas or opportunities, but in the lack of timely action.

Recognize when an opportunity is knocking at your door and quickly act upon it.