I can't believe it but my youngest daughter, Jane, turned 10 the other day. It's hard for me to believe but I no longer have a child in single digits. And then the next day I turned 51.
Here are 51 things I've learned in my life. Some you may have read last year, but like life this list is constantly changing and evolving.
1. It's easier to give advice than take it. Usually the advice I give is also meant for me.
2. Focus is extremely underrated. The most successful people I know have the ability to focus and get things done.
3. Jobs, places, and things come and go. It's the people we meet that make life special.
4. It's my actions that define who I am, not who I say I am.
5. Learning to start my day over was one of the best lessons I ever learned.
6. Humility is the greatest trait I can have as a leader, partner, husband, friend, and father.
7. Having humility is easier said than done.
8. The more I try to learn from successful people the better my chance at success.
9. The only person who can decide if I'm having a good day or bad day is me.
10. The more teachable I am the more I know. The more I know the more I can help others. The more I can help others the better my life, and that's why I try to remain teachable.
11. Work hard when it's time to work, but go home when you're supposed to go home.
12. When you're a manager people have to do what you want them to do. When you're a leader people want to do what you'd like them to do.
13. Everyone makes mistakes but not everyone learns from them. The difference has a huge impact on your ability to have a happy and productive life.
14. The only person or thing that can hold me back is me.
15. We all need mentors in life. Do you have one? More important, are you one?
16. Your children won't remember much of what you said while they were growing up but they'll always remember how you said it. The same advice applies to people who work for you.
17. To be a good parent and a good manager I need to set high but appropriate expectations. It's even more important to hold the children or the employees accountable for meeting those expectations.
18. Most people are inherently good. I can't let the few who aren't impact how I feel and act towards the others.
19. Take care of your employees and they'll take care of the customers. Take care of the customers and they'll take care of the business.
20. Neither your employees nor your customers will know you care unless you tell them. Tell them. Often.
21. I can't let the news and what happens in other people's lives affect how I feel about mine.
22. I believe faith and spirituality is extremely personal. I'm always offended when someone tells me what or how I should believe.
23. Always do what's best for the customer - unless you no longer want that customer.
24. The best thing I can do when I am wrong is to promptly admit it.
25. Every time I'm told by a retailer "we have no competition" I always think, "You're delusional."
26. Criticizing someone you don't know and who has no impact on your life is a total waste of energy. Criticizing someone you know is a waste of good karma.
27. Innovation is important to most retailers' success only if it is built on the bedrock of a commitment to customers and employees.
28. I make an effort to learn something every single day. I know that combining the experience of the past with the knowledge gained today creates success.
29. Failing is important because if I never fail I'm not trying enough new things.
30. I can't afford to have resentments. I hope those who have one with me share it instead of holding it.
31. Don't miss the moment. As my wife says, keep your head where your feet are.
32. Be grateful. Demonstrate it with both words and actions.
33. Specialty retail is more about relationships than selling products. I wish more retailers understood that.
34. Accept or change anything in your life that causes you problems or concerns but don't waste energy complaining about it.
35. The greatest gift you can give someone you don't know is a smile.
36. Ask for help when you need it. Offer to help when you don't.
37 Surround yourself with positive people who love life and love you. Don't listen to people who don't share the same values you do.
38. Never regret the past. Use it today to create a better tomorrow.
39. Compliments are wonderful things to give and receive. I need to remind myself to give more than I do.
40. Prioritize your day and always put the customer first.
41. Whatever your title, if you're in a leadership role you always go first.
42. Passion trumps knowledge and skill. Never try to cover a lack of knowledge and skill with passion.
43. Never shy away from a difficult conversation with an employee, friend, or family member. You'll both be the better for it.
44. Be happy for others. Don't compare their lives to yours, identify with what they do or have done so you can do the same.
45. Always say, "thank you," "please," and "you're welcome." Expect the same from your staff and your children.
46. Sometimes bad things happen. It's one thing to be a victim; it's another to stay one.
47. No matter the cause, if I'm bent out of shape about something the problem is always within me. If I don't believe that I'm giving others the power to control me.
48. If you don't take the time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work, why work hard?
49. I wish you could buy patience online. Since you can't, you have to just find it within yourself.
50. Thinking about doing something is not doing something. As they say, Just Do It!
51. Love and value your friends and family. You never know when your time together will end. I miss those I've lost.
52. Always go above and beyond in everything you do, especially when it is for others.
Thank you for reading this and sharing my birthday! May every day of your life be a learning day.
Doug,
A belated Happy Birthday and thanks for the great list. I guess I should have nine more items than you do. As a matter of fact, I think I do but I forget what they are.
Posted by: Mike Buckley | July 30, 2009 at 04:38 PM