Thanks to Fashionista for the picture and story about Tyra Banks’ achievement today. The model/activist said the most important thing she learned at biz school was FOCUS, on both her mission and her customer (rather than herself):

‘If it’s not about expanding the definition of beauty and making women feel physically and emotionally better about themselves, then we’re not doing it.’ My business before was based on me. But my marketing professor has taught me that it’s about customer centricity and not about me centricity. It’s about her. How do I affect that girl?”

It’s a wise way to do business – focus on the customer, bring value, ask what you can do for someone else…it’s also a fine way to go through life. Most negative emotions can be combatted by getting outside of ourselves and thinking about what we can do for others. My friend, Joan, goes to help at the local women’s shelter as soon as she feels a funk coming on. Giving needn’t always be so noble and energetic: I make sure I comment on other blogs daily. Sometimes I’ll call a friend with the express purpose of listening rather than venting…anything to remind myself that I’m not the centre of the universe and I am of great use to someone else. It feels wonderful!

Love one another. Love your neighbour as yourself.

It all comes back to these.

What do you do to get the focus off yourself?