My father instilled a strong work ethic in his four sons. Not just by the conviction in his words but by power in his actions. During our preschool years, we’d attentively watch his every move. Everything was done with precision, intent, and pride. Even something as basic as cutting the yard was done meticulously, with precision, making sure the perimeter had a razor-sharp edge, and the blades of grass were even. The final product was an intricately created lattice pattern that made passersby take notice.
We grew up living at different Air Force bases. At every location, the “Lawn of the Week” sign resided in the Francis front yard every couple of months. From those seemingly small acts and observations, we connected the dots between effort and reward. It became embedded into our DNA.
He repeatedly reminded us (me), “son, whatever you do. I don’t care if it’s cutting grass, competing in track, or working a job. You either do it “all in” or don’t sign up for it at all. “Half done” is not a word in our dictionary.”
Your work is your name, and your name is your brand. It’s how people remember you today, tomorrow, and always even if your paths cross only once in this lifetime.
So I’ve learned to always swing for the fences in whatever I do. To make every at-bat count, personally, professionally, and in life. You’ll always be the winner when you swing for the fences, even on the rare instance when your effort is discounted. You can hold your head up, knowing it’s always “the best effort.”
For me, It’s All or Nothing.
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