Probably the most important blog you’ll read all year…

Planning for Q1 24, I took a break to read a linked in post that caught my eye. I would like to thank Sharon Hulcefor sharing this – and I give her full credit for the post.

As a kid, Peanuts was one of my favorite cartoons – precisely because of the insights it shared about people and their relationships. I find it interesting and funny for the same reason I found George Carlin and Richard Pryor so funny – because it’s grounded in truth that we see around us every day.

I agree with Sharon’s POV that this is a great place to begin the year as we’re setting goals for ourselves, our families and businesses. I hope it has an equally valuable impact on you as it did me.

Oh, and Happy New Year. 2024 is going to be a great one.

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip.

You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read it straight through, and you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers.

They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies.

Awards tarnish …

Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money … or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.