The Charles Schultz philosophy (aka have a good 2015)
So, my company's CEO sent this out to everyone. I thought it was nice, and decided to pass it along. Have a good 2015 everyone!
As we begin 2015 I thought it might be worthwhile to reflect on the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. I had the honor of doing business with Charles Schulz, or "Sparky" as he was known to friends. He was an amazing man. He drew and wrote the Peanuts comic strip every day, without exception, for 50 years. On vacation? He did the strip. Sick? He did the strip. No exceptions. And he cared deeply about details. My previous company had an agreement with Mr. Schulz. We were the only company in the world with an artist who was authorized to draw the Peanuts characters. Sarah, the artist, got to know Sparky well. Only she and Sparky drew the characters. Sparky required that he personally approve each of Sarah's drawings. He would send Sarah hand-written yellow sticky notes, such as: "Sarah, please move the 3rd hair from the right on Snoopy's chin just a little to the left." Amazing. Each of the characters was a real person to Sparky. He himself (Charles Schulz) was Charlie Brown...the kid who really wanted to be an athlete but was terrible at it. "All I could ever do was draw" he said, famously.
So...here is the Charles Schulz philosophy. Don't actually answer the questions. Just ponder them as you read. Read his philosophy straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember all of the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most money or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most. Tell them thank-you. And be the kind of person who cares and helps the most.
