10 “Lessons for Living”

On my bookmark, I keep these 10 Lessons for Living:

1. Live with Passion
2. Lead with Vision
3. Listen with Respect
4. Communicate Openly
5. Celebrate Being
6. Share Experiences
7. Dedicate Time
8. Focus on Children
9. Champion “We”ism
10. Build a Legacy

The backside of the bookmark has one of my favorite quotes by Confucius…

I hear, and I forget.
I see, and I remember.
I do, and I understand.

As an example, “Live with Passion” focuses on the three P’s of Success: Purpose, Passion and Perseverance. We must have Purpose and we must have Passion for all that we do. However, I argue that it is Perseverance that is the most critical. For instance, in any endeavor, in study, work, sports, business those who persevere are generally those who succeed. In business most failures are the result of underestimating the time and finances required to build an entity. If you believe it will take two years, it will take you four. If you believe it will take $1,000,000 it will take $3,000,000. Consequently, most give up after one or two setbacks.

When, I started on my own, I wanted to build a natural gas company because it was perceived to be the “Cleanest” of the hydrocarbons. And, having just left Academia as an Environmental stalwart, it was a good fit. I knew I could keep our four-person Team going financially for two years. I traveled all over North America, UK and Europe seeking financing for a natural gas company and received 126 No’s.

We were down to our last week. It was Tuesday, and we needed $1.82 M by 5:00 pm Friday or we would lose our $2.5 M deposit on a $25.0 M transaction. Now, we could complete the deal with bridge financiers and Angel investors for 90% of the Company. Miraculously, a person appeared serendipitously and financed the whole transaction for 20% of the Company. We never looked back. We had a Purpose and Passion beyond belief for the project. Fortunately, and ultimately, Perseverance prevailed.

I believe the same approach must be taken to everyday Life. The world is in chaos and racked by Covid-19. We can ignore it, as many are wanting to do. Or we can address it head on, persevere and build a safer, more community minded and people-first world.

Grant Bartlett, PhD is a Serial Entrepreneur, Global Traveler, Consummate Reader, Mentor to Millennials, former Hockey Team owner of the Calgary Flames who has experienced a myriad of Careers in Government, Academia and Industry. Grant has mapped the Rocky Mountains and explored the Ocean depths. He believes that when you reach the far horizon there will be another. Never stop Dreaming.