No…this has nothing to do with
the myth surrounding a young George Washington cutting down his father’s cherry
tree. Nice story but I’m told it is, at
best, a legend because there is no documented historical basis for it.
But…I don’t want to get ahead of myself or your needs with this line of thinking about George Washington.
The foundation to you achieving all you can be, do, or have
is a solid set of values and beliefs.
The higher the quality and the stronger your values and beliefs the
greater your potential to realize their benefits to you.
If feeling that core strength within yourself is a struggle
for you, what can George Washington teach you in building that all-important
foundation of values and beliefs?
Well…I’m sure you’re aware that George Washington stepped up
when the emerging American nation needed him.
He did it in leading the ragged band of warriors referred to as the
Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
He did it again when the young, independent United States needed a first
president. He also did it many times
through the words he spoke.
In fact, his words (and, more
importantly, the values and beliefs conveyed by them) are for the ages. In the context of my point, “the ages” refers
to a period in the history of the earth.
Some examples would be the Ice Age; the Stone Age; the Bronze Age,
etc.
Many of Washington’s words will
have meaning and applicability to people through “all ages” because they were so
insightful and inspirational. They will provide
you a profound basis to help you in building your foundation of values and beliefs.
Here’s just a few of Washington’s thoughts that
can teach you values and beliefs for living through “the ages.”
·
“We should not look back unless it is to derive
useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly
bought experience.”
o
Ageless interpretation: If you live in the past you sacrifice the
future application of the experience gained.
·
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if
you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad
company.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Your reputation is impacted by the people
with whom you associate.
·
“Example, whether it be good or bad, has a
powerful influence.”
o
Ageless interpretation: You are a product of the examples you choose
to follow.
·
“Observe good faith and justice toward all
nations. Cultivate peace and harmony
with all.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Whatever you give to your world you will
receive in kind.
·
“Be careful not to let saliva escape with your
words, nor any spittle fly into the faces of those with whom you converse.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Using another person as a spittoon wipes open
communication off their face and yours.
·
“Do not pare your nails in public, much less
gnaw them.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Keep your personal hygiene for your most
private of moments.
·
“Put not off your clothes in the presence of
others, nor go out of your chamber half dressed.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Dressing for success means appropriately
dressing for the moment at all times.
·
“Guard against the impostures of pretended
patriotism.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Your personal freedom is dependent upon your
attention to authenticity all around you.
·
“A people…who are possessed of the spirit of
commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost
anything.”
o
Ageless interpretation: You can achieve anything you viscerally want
to be, do, or have.
·
“If the freedom of speech is taken away then
dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
o
Ageless interpretation: The price for maintaining all your personal
freedoms is a staunch awareness of what they are and what they truly mean to
you.
·
“A slender acquaintance with the world must
convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the
attachment of friends.”
o
Ageless interpretation: People are attracted to you by what you
do…not only by what you say.
·
“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures
success to the weak; and esteem to all.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Consistent exercise of your self-discipline
makes you whole.
·
“Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow
trouble.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Stay true to yourself and your peace of mind
will prevail.
·
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in
all ages.”
o
Ageless interpretation: Be positive in mindset and never give up.
If you have learned anything from George Washington’s
ageless teachings, what is the most important lesson to you?
Please share your thoughts by commenting below.
And…please forward this information to others by following the social
media share link at the top or bottom of this post.
Thank
you.
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