Three Simple Phrases
As a child, I moved from the only world I knew in northeast Ohio to a faraway land in Central Alabama. The move meant adjusting to a new school, making new friends, and developing in a completely new environment. Needless to say, some days were better than others.
In my second year – fifth grade – we all matriculated to a different campus as we started at Sanford Middle School. Middle school was a new concept for me. Back in Ohio, I would have stayed in elementary school until jr. high started in seventh grade.
While at Sanford, I met Mr. Richard Sasser, the school principal. Each day, Mr. Sasser would give the school announcements. He would remind us of important dates and read us the lunch menu. At the end of announcements, he would always repeat the same three phrases: Have a good day. Learn a lot. And be the Best.
As a ten-year-old, these phrases did not mean much to me. They were just something I’d repeat in my mock southern drawl as I joked throughout the day. As I got older, these phrases took on a whole new meaning.
In 7th grade, I was introduced to the concept of a daily rating by my science teacher, Mr. Frank Ware. Most days since, I’ve given myself a daily grade. There are times where I complete everything on my to-do list, or I have a huge breakthrough and I get an ‘A.’ There are others where I miss the mark and give myself a zero. Regardless of how I grade the day, I am always determined to not let my circumstances change my attitude – especially towards the negative. I am often complimented for my optimism. It may seem weird to some, but I wake up each morning determined to have a good day.
I am naturally curious. I spent many nights as a child watching space documentaries, and many days checking out advanced engineering books from the library. I would stare at the pictures of rockets and airplanes and try to read the captions and names of the pilots, scientists, and engineers that shaped the industry. Even today, my streaming queues are full of documentaries, and I’m almost always reading or podcasting about topics like personal finance, politics, sports or comedy. I love to learn - learn a lot.
Growing up, I was an athlete. I was hardly ever the fastest, strongest, or most sought-after prospect, but I was able to contribute to many winning teams and earn a few awards and medals. Since high school, there have been awards and promotions. I’ve served on boards and given speeches. But as I’ve grown older, I’m learning to put these things into the proper perspective. Each day, I become less concerned with how my salary stacks with the national average, or whether I’ve made the latest ‘Forty under 40’ listing. While I was younger, I was obsessed with being the best. Now, I’m obsessed with being MY best. The difference will change you!
Sometimes I do wonder when Mr. Sasser started using that repeating that phrase daily. I wonder if he knew how much of a hit it was amongst us middle schoolers. I do wish he knew how motivating that call to action has become for me. It has been constant mantra ringing in my ears. To this day, my wife and I use the phrase to send each other out the door.
Our hope is that this space will be a blessing to you and your life. We are determined to live our life more abundantly and we want you to join us on the journey.
