Happy Labor Day
August 31st, 2008 Posted in Leadership, Life, NewsletterNote: I wrote this newsletter as Hurricane Gustov was impacting Cuba and was expected to head to the Gulf. I’m not sure where and when this hurricane will hit but please join me in praying for the people who are in its path.
As I write this I’m getting ready to head to Long Island, NY to speak to a school district on September 2nd. I have a feeling it’s going to be a special trip. Not only because I’m going to connect with passionate, hard working principals and teachers but also because on Monday I’m going to visit the neighborhood and house where I grew up. While I’m there I’m also going to remember and celebrate my Mom who was born on September 3rd and who passed away 2 years ago.
We always celebrated my Mom’s birthday on Labor Day and this year it carries special significance. You see, only now do I realize how hard she worked to provide for her family. When I was a kid most women didn’t work outside the home, but she did. When women didn’t hold sales positions, she did. When women didn’t rise the corporate ladder, she did. Even during the last year of her life she worked 110% to become the top real estate agent in her South Florida office. It’s no wonder why I have always valued and honored hard work. I had a great role model.
So this Labor Day, I want to celebrate all the people who have worked hard to provide us with the lessons and examples of hard work, dedication, and commitment. I also want to honor the 100,000+ people who read this newsletter and who work hard every day to serve, design, create, build, drive, develop, share, sell, teach, lead, educate, heal, type, dig, paint, clean, fly, cook, farm, manufacture, deliver, code, and contribute to each other and the global economy.
And on this day I hope you will also honor yourself and the work you do because one of the most important legacies we will leave others is our attitude and example of how we approach work. Too many people believe their jobs don’t matter and they see their work as insignificant. But if you really think about it, every job matters and no one is insignificant.
Realize that when you order a salad at a restaurant a farmer had to grow the lettuce, someone had to transport the lettuce to the restaurant, where someone washed the lettuce, and someone chopped the lettuce and someone at the restaurant wrote a check to pay for the lettuce and someone made the plate where the lettuce was placed before someone finally brought the salad to your table that was built by someone so you wouldn’t have to eat on the floor.
Every one of us is connected to each other through the jobs we do, the products we create and the services we provide. Labor Day should not be a day just to celebrate the end of summer or enjoy our final day of freedom before heading back to the daily grind but rather it should be a day to honor ourselves and each other for the work we do and the contribution we make. Our children are watching us and our attitude and our example of how we approach work is something we will instill in them forever. Let us leave a legacy through our positive attitude and actions.
I hope you have fun and enjoy your Labor Day!!
Who taught you the value of hard work? How do you approach your job? Why and how does your job matter? Join the conversation here.
Stay Positive!
-Jon | www.JonGordon.com
9 Responses to “Happy Labor Day”
By Greg Curtis on Sep 1, 2008
Thank, God!
By trish garron on Sep 1, 2008
Jon,, thank you so much for your inspiring words today..I too have had the honor of having a wonderfully strong mother who did things not many others did and because of her strength I too have a strong positive attitude towards my life and my work… fortunately I have been able to pass that on to my two children as well… it is a gift to do what you love.. and love it….thank you again… enjoy your day with your family.. my mom passed away many years ago.. my heart is with you and your family.. celebrate her life and yours on her birthday…you have touched many, Jon, with the love of your family
By denise on Sep 1, 2008
your passion is heartfelt
By Mardella on Sep 1, 2008
Motivating speakers like Zig Ziglar taught me the value of hard work. I work as a teacher’s assistant working with special needs teens. Sometimes I feel as though I am not making a difference. Then other times I feel I am gettig through to them. I would like some suggestions from someone on I can improve what I do. Thank You
By Moira on Sep 1, 2008
My grandfather worked hard all his life. First as an electrical engineer wiring the departments of Glasgow University in the very, very early part of the twentieth century. He spent long hours in his garden growing vegetables and fruit so that the family would have food in the war years. With like minded friends he founded a lawn bowling club in 1924. In his retiral, he spent many hours overseeing many of its day to day tasks. In 1974 he was a special guest at the 50th anniversary dinner of his lawn bowling club. the only remaining founder member.
By George Broostin on Sep 2, 2008
Good morning to all of you from St. Paul MN. I had to sneak into work on an obscure back road along the Mississippi River this morning to avoid the RNC traffic. I noticed that this driving route through the woods and along the river is a lot prettier and relaxing than my regular freeway route. I am going to drive that route from now on. George Broostin, Development Director, http://www.guildincorporated.org
By Deb on Sep 3, 2008
My Dad is a wonderful example of a good hard work ethic. He has been a dairy farmer for many years (45+) and the cows never allow you to take a break or day off. You work through sickness, broken bones, family reunions, etc. You also work 7 days a week. Even though my dad just turned 67, he still rises at 5:00 a.m. and goes out to the farm to help my brother, who now is showing those same work ethic characteristics!!
By Jon Gordon on Sep 5, 2008
Deb, your Dad is an inspiration. George, I hope you enjoyed the ride. Moira I would have loved to meet your Grandfather. I really appreciate everyone sharing your thoughts. It’s fun to get different perspectives. Blessings,
Jon
By bev on Oct 16, 2008
great to celebrate people