Patrick K. Magyar

Things I have to go out of my way for

My natural spontaneous perception is lousy. I gladly praise my wife’s choice on new drapes – one and a half years after they have been fitted. To me, perceiving is an energy hog. But then, perceiving what is around us and especially other people is important enough to make the effort.

What shaped me

As a kid, I was relentlessly teased about my weight and some other characteristics of mine. That taught me to respect others and to get to know them before forming an opinion about them. Looks do not equal character.

Why I started working on my strengths

Like many others, I spent the first 25 years of my life dealing with my weaknesses. A very frustrating business. Then, in 1988, Jean-Jacques Goldman’s “C’est ta chance” put me on a new course of direction. The song talks about turning features that differentiate you from others into an opportunity. No matter if you are short, big, slim, black, white, green, or yellow, you are a human being, you are someone. You can make it, if you work on what you are. I have worked on my strengths ever since. I have practised them, I have cultivated them.

One more thing

The K. in Patrick K. Magyar stands for Kasimir, which is also my father’s first name. If you visit our Mission Team website, you will meet another namesake – an homage to my dad.

When you start exploring your strengths

Translate the lyrics of Jean-Jacques Goldman’s “C’est ta chance” and take them in.