“I believe that people make their own luck by great preparation and good strategy.” Jack Canfield “If I never catch another fish for the rest of my life, I have already caught my share.” That statement, partly in defense, was made by my dad, Alfred J. Hackbarth, in response to a question posed by a friend concerning a recent fishing trip that had not been productive. Looking back over all the fishing trips I have made over the years; I could easily make the same claim. I would be … [Read more...]
Winning at Losing
“If anything, you know, I think losing makes me even more motivated.” Serena Williams Have you ever experienced defeat? A major loss? Perhaps, it was a sports competition. Maybe, a job you sought and did not obtain. A contest you entered and never even came close to winning. A relationship you desired that never materialized. A health issue for which you were not prepared.. You purchased your ticket. You bought your chance. You entered the ring. And, then you lost. Sound familiar? Every … [Read more...]
Energy
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Benjamin Franklin We live in a busy world. Within the circle of people in my life -- retired or currently working – bored individuals, looking for another task to add to their to-do lists are nowhere to be found. Common time-related expressions we hear every single day include: “If only I had the time. . . “ “I am just too busy” “Sorry, I am late, but . . .” and, Rarely heard utterances include . . .: “I am so … [Read more...]
The Five Dollar Desk
“Success doesn’t necessarily come from breakthrough innovation but from flawless execution. A great strategy alone won’t win a game or a battle; the win comes from basic blocking and tackling.” Naveen K. Jain My parents find it at a local yard sale. It is an old chester drawers. The cost is five dollars. I am going to college and living at home with my parents in Birmingham, Alabama. The intention for the old cabinet is to create a study desk for me. A few modifications are needed, so … [Read more...]
Eggs
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” Dr. Suess Most of us can recall the Dr. Seuss children’s classic, Green Eggs and Ham, which was published in 1960. ‘Sam-I-Am’ is the name of the character who is trying to get the unnamed protagonist(whom I call the ‘Big Hat Guy’), to try green eggs and ham. The first half of the … [Read more...]
Routes
“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away.” Elvis Presley “The money is in the routes,” my wife Carol emphatically declares in a corporate training session for a new group of managers in our transportation company. This assertion is one that Carol and I have confidently repeated to our team members throughout our journey at Hackbarth Delivery Service. There is no sophistication in this simple six-word statement. Not much high-level thinking. And yet, … [Read more...]
No Cost
‘I would have attained my college degree but I did not have the money because . . .’ ‘We had a chance to buy that stock before it doubled but . . .’ ‘I was going to be a . . . but then . . . happened and I . . .’ You have probably listened to the conversation of a family member or friend who looks back with some regret on how life has turned out. Bad breaks and disappointments are often part of the dialogue. Perhaps, you have been the one sharing some of the personal outcomes of your … [Read more...]
It’s My Story and I’m Sticking to it
“Your story is the gold in your goldmine.” Rob Hackbarth “It’s my story and I’m sticking to it,” she says as I question her previous statement. The ‘she’ is my mom and the phrase is one she regularly uses. Whenever her expression to me or one of my three sisters seems less than accurate, her defense is to magically summon this old saying. It is convenient because no evidence of support is required. Mom often spins this pet phrase in a comical situation. Rather than defend the indefensible, … [Read more...]
Heat
“Spread love everywhere you go.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta After dropping off some blueberries at our corporate office, I drive a few miles to McAllister’s Deli on Government Boulevard. After ordering my food at the counter, I sit down at a small table and take out my iPhone to review emails and other messages. That’s when I notice that a dear friend, whose name I will reveal later, has called two days ago. I have been pretty busy for a few days, so it is now time to catch up on phone … [Read more...]
My Sayings
“The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages is preserved in perpetuity by a nation’s proverbs, fables, folk sayings and quotations.” William Feather Are you familiar with these acronyms? F.A.I.L First Attempt In learning E.N.D. Effort Never Dies N.O. Next Opportunity Do you have an acronym that best represents your philosophy in life? Did your grandmother pass on a saying that you frequently repeat? Is there something that you regularly say to others that reflects … [Read more...]
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