Try something...make a mistake...make a discovery!

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the President of our country during our last economic crisis tried some bold things, with which you may or may not agree, to try to pull us out of the great depression. He introduced what was known as "The New Deal" and established the FDIC, Social Security and other programs that carry on today. Whether or not his programs were the best answer, he tried something. Which sets the tone for his comment:

"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

As we face tough times at work and home we can take this to heart. If what we have been doing has gotten us where we are, what do we need to do differently?

What if we do try something and it messes things up? I like what I have heard Jerry Sheridan and Jerry Thomas say, "You can always get back in the boat." The boat may have been rocked, and you might need to get out a bucket and bail some water, but you can get back in. You can start over.

I like this quote from Samuel Smiles, an early leader in self-help thinking and writing. He said, "He who never made a mistake never made a discovery." What discovery haven't you made as an individual because you are afraid to make a mistake? Is there a discovery we haven't made as a company because we are afraid to make a mistake?

By the way, as a side note, I find it interesting that Samuel Smiles great grandson is Bear Grylls. If you have ever seen Man vs. Wild on Discovery, he is the guy that gets dropped off in extreme places and shows his viewers how to "survive". Now in it's fifth season, there is a guy that is not afraid to make a mistake and as a result has made some amazing discoveries. I think Bear's great grand dad would be proud.

Gain Strength, Courage and Confidence

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience you really stop to look fear in the face...You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt


Here are a few team members who aren't afraid to look fear in the face!







Ryan, Craig and Jake finishing "Mystery Canyon" with a huge rapell down a waterfall into The Narrows at Zion Canyon.

Gratitude is the Noblest of Virtues...

In a meeting yesterday, Sheldon asked team leaders to focus on gratitude, reminding us that gratitude is the noblest of virtues. He had us do an exercise that brought a wonderful spirit to the meeting as we all took time to list and share things we were grateful for.


Can I share just one of the items from my list with you? I am grateful for my daily commute! As I was on my way to the Distribution Center a while back, I was looking around at the scenery, as I often do, (which is probably why people don't like driving with me) and just taking it in. Purple Mountains, Red Cliffs, and Blue Sky... I felt overwhelmed by the beauty of this area, as I'm sure you have felt before too. I had to stop, get off my bike and take a picture. Where else can you see this type of beauty on your way to work in the morning!? So much better than sitting in traffic staring at the bumper of the car in front of me. I am grateful to live in St. George!


I would suggest that it is worth a few minutes of your time to grab a pen and try Sheldon's exercise in gratitude.


1) List at least four things you are grateful for in your personal life.



2) List at least four things you are grateful for related to work.



3) Write down what you will do to show that you are grateful?



At a time like this when we are all trying to do more with less, this short activity provides a great perspective check. Make it a great day as you live with an attitude of gratitude!

*Do you want to share what you are grateful for? E-mail me or post a comment and I will make a "What BLVD team members are grateful for" list and post it on one of the upcoming posts.