Leap & Learn

Can you imagine only having a birthday once every four years? Well, if you were born on Feb. 29 during a leap year, you know that birthdays are really special.

I knew a guy who had a leap year birthday and celebrated only 22 actual birthdays. He figured that if he only counted the Feb. 29 birthdays he might fool Mother Nature and outlive us all. Unfortunately his plan did not work, as he died several months ago and will miss his 90th birthday next month.

Yet, this 89-year-old lived with the spirit of a 22-year-old — which is probably why he lived so long.

He was orphaned by age 6 and was considered a self-made man. Serving in World War II, he was proud to be part of what many call the Greatest Generation. He came home after the war and met his sweetheart. Their romance lasted through 62 years of marriage and three children. A well-known Northeast Ohio banker for 40 years, he was active in the community and eventually retired on his own terms.

His life was full by most standards, and he had few regrets. The success he enjoyed at work and with family was supported by a number of core beliefs and guiding principles.

When you live to almost 90 years, you accumulate plenty of experiences and learn a few things. My father’s beliefs evolved from a combination of experience, hard work and plenty of mistakes. There are certainly some good thoughts here from a guy who made an impact and a difference at work, in his community and at home.

Thanks, Dad.

• Have passion.
• Family is No. 1.
• Pay in cash and balance your checkbook each month.
• Support your kids’ activities, yet don’t push them into anything.
• Don’t give instruction to kids at Little League games — unless you’re the coach.
• Impatience is the virtue of the highly intelligent.
• Create your own luck. Work hard. Play hard. Laugh hard.
• It’s OK to kiss your kids after age 10.
• It’s OK to hold hands with your spouse after age 50.
• Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches are the best.
• Make sure you have replacement insurance for your house.
• Take an active interest in your grandchildren. Get down on the floor to play with them.
• Take a family portrait once in a while.
• Let the neighborhood kids play in your yard.
• Be a good neighbor. Don’t gossip.
• It’s OK to show your emotion. People don’t know who you are without it.
• Believe in something.
• Work toward the perfect day.
• Be honest with yourself and others. Those who cheat in golf or on their spouse will cheat in business.
• Stay loyal to people and companies that provide you good service.
• Keep your shoes “spit-shined” and your wardrobe up-to-date.
• People want to get paid for performance until they start getting paid for performance.
• Don’t have anyone in your company you wouldn’t trust with your kids.
• If you want to know about a product, ask the service person not the salesperson.
• If you want to learn about an organization, spend an hour in their lobby.
• Read the same books as your boss.
• The closest to perfection people ever come is when they fill out a job application.
• Make friends with the housekeeping staff.
• A shortage of skilled labor is good for business. It builds organizational character and stimulates creativity.
• It is much better to have people quit and leave than quit and stay.
• Always surround yourself with winners.

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