Myko, “What are you going to be, when you grow up?” He always answers, “Hockey Game.” We laugh, but we know Myko is a 2 year old who is being programmed to be somebody or something, someday.
I started thinking about all the people, I have met in my business life, and wondered what most would say if they were asked that question, now that they are in the work a day world. Think about it, what would you like to do or be now that you are grown up? Don’t answer frivolously such as a professional hockey player or a movie star, answer with thought and analysis of your physical, emotional and mental abilities. The next question is, are you prepared to pay the price for this dream or goal. There is always a price to pay.
Some years ago, I read of an interview of a famous pianist by one of his admirers. She gushingly said to the maestro, “I would give anything to be able to play like you.” “No you wouldn’t,” the maestro replied abruptly, “You wouldn’t practice 6 to 8 hours every day for 30 years. You appreciate the music at this concert, but you don’t understand the price I paid.” Everybody that is successful pays a price in proportion to their success.
One of my friends who passed away recently was envied by some of our friends. They would say “Isn’t that Jack Lock lucky, he has a beautiful home, a Mercedes Benz, a fantastic motor home. His restaurant business is busy and he has it made”. I used to say, “Why don’t you follow Jack for just one day and you will see how he makes his luck”. In a way Jack was a lucky guy, he found a business he liked and was good at and then he devoted his total being to it. His son mentioned in the eulogy that they were fortunate as kids, they always knew where to find their dad. He was always there to talk to, to eat with, kibitz with and consult with.
Jack’s devotion to his business was the work standard that everyone in the community was measured by. During the 60's and the 70's when Jack operated the Sun Café and Lounge, he would start his day at 5:30am. He was the cook and he put the stock pot on while he cooked and served breakfast to customers. At 6:30 his short order cook arrived and Jack then become the waiter and cashier. At 7:30 Bertha, his waitress, arrived to help, at 11:30 Jack’s wife Susan arrived to help over the lunch hour. Jack would leave at 2:00pm for a couple of hours rest. He came back to work at 5:00pm to serve the supper crowd and stayed to lock up and to clean the lounge at 1:00am. This was a terrific load even for one day, yet Jack did it for 363 days a year, closing only for Christmas and Boxing day. Jack paid a tremendous price for his success but he and Susan had a great relationship and his retirement years were pleasurable, although in my opinion it was way to short.
I don’t know another Jack Lock for work standard, but I do know that when people find the passion for the work they do, time is not of the essence. That is probably why people devote so much time energy and money towards their hobby. This is also the reason people go on missions far afield, sacrificing their health and welfare for a cause or belief. Even though, we are striving to be your employer of choice and certainly a place I have shared successes, challenges and friendships for over fifty years, we urge you to ask yourself the question; “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Remembering the Chinese Proverb, Great souls have wills; feeble ones have only wishes.
|
