An old acquaintance of mine came to me one day, asking for recommendations for services he could offer and provide. After spending more than an hour catching up and explaining what he does and the struggles he was facing, I decided to help. Without making any promises, I reached out to people I knew, and one came back showing interest. Long story short, after introducing them, things seemed to go well until they didn’t. He started turning up late for meetings, missing appointments, and becoming unresponsive. Later, I found out that he had secured another client through a mutual acquaintance of ours, one who offered less work but at higher rates. However, he soon messed up that job and, in a desperate attempt to salvage his previous opportunity, came back to me with a list of colorful excuses, hoping I would step in and fix things for him.
Life is full of opportunities, and I’ve always been someone who believes in giving people chances. I understand that everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes, all a person needs is an opportunity to prove themselves. Whether in friendships, business, or personal endeavors, I have always opened doors for those who are willing to step up and make an effort. However, I also firmly believe that opportunities only knock once. If you abuse my trust, that door doesn’t stay open; it’s half shut, and regaining that trust is an uphill battle.
I am well known for giving people chances. I’ve extended opportunities to those who needed a push in the right direction, and many have taken those chances and made something great out of them. But I’ve also seen the other side: people who take kindness for granted, who assume that second or third chances are a given. That’s where they go wrong.
When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. My friends know that when I set my mind on a goal, they’ll see results. I don’t just talk about dreams; I work for them. And I expect the same effort in return. If I offer an opportunity and you fail to respect it, don’t expect me to extend the same hand twice. Trust, once broken, is difficult to mend.
I’m not saying that people don’t deserve redemption, but I believe that second chances are earned, not given freely. If someone truly values an opportunity they missed, they’ll put in the effort to prove they deserve another shot. It’s about accountability and respect, not just for me, but for themselves. If you want a second chance, show me why I should reopen that door. I expect things to be bumpy at the beginning, but effort is what truly matters. If others judge what you do as foolish or a waste of time, it usually means they lack the ability or courage to do it themselves.
So, for those who have been given opportunities, respect them. For those who have lost them, work hard if you truly want to earn them back. Life doesn’t always hand out second chances, and neither do I.
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For me, once the initial given trust is being broken, he/she will need to give twice the effort earn it back. And that is also depends if I will cut the person entirely off or not. Hehehe… Ergo, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
No way, I am going to be a fool again. Once is enough. 🙂
I get what you mean, I do not like people taking my goodwill for granted either. I don’t care if you have personal agendas or problems, but you came to me. I welcome you with open arms. You treat me like trash as you wish, and I will ignore you because you don’t see me as your friend.