Over my career I have had a number of bosses (some of which were really great–although I may not have known it at the time). I have also been very fortunate to be around a number of other very smart, successful and caring people.
Over the past few decades I must admit that I have learned so many things from so many people. I thought I would share some of those things with you:
- JD (my dad) — Thanks for teaching me to be the best you could be.
- Sandy Schwartz — Thanks for teaching me to believe in people and trust your instincts.
- John Boni — Thanks for teaching me to never make a decision when you are emotional.
- Marianne Schafer — Thanks for teaching me to always look for a better way to do something.
- Trish — Thanks for teaching me not to make the same mistake twice.
- Uncle John — Thanks for teaching me to experience different things.
- Mom — Thanks for teaching me how important family is and always should be.
- Alan, Andrew, Gary, Kenny, Rich, Rick — Thanks for teaching me how important friends are and will always be.
I have mentioned this to a number of people that life is such a great learning experience. All of us should not only learn something new each and every day but get better at something each and every day.
- What are some of life’s greatest lessons that you have learned?
- Who taught you those lessons?
I look forward to hearing your comments.
Kim Larson says:
Merrill, this is a topic I love.
From my Dad – Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
From my Mom – Don’t live life with regrets, live life so you won’t have regrets.
From my Grandma – Never let anyone leave your house hungry
Merrill Dubrow says:
Kim,
Thanks for your comments – I love the lesson from your Grandma! I wish everyone would follow that one.
Enjoy the weekend.
Merrill
Malcolm Williamson says:
I was working my way through college at a hotel in San Diego and one of my co-workers just hated me for no reason. I was always upbeat, witty and polite to all of our guest and co-workers, but this guy (who was a senior employee) just hated me.
MW
I consulted a friend of mine who has worked at the hotel for a number of years and was much older and wiser than I, and he gave me these very simple but profound words of wisdom.
He told me that “No matter what you say or do in life, there will always be people who simply don’t like you, and the sooner you accept that, the happier you will be.”
Life is so much easier when you don’t expend a ton of energy trying to make everyone happy.
So if you enjoyed reading this, that’s great and I’m happy.
If not… I really couldn’t give a crap, but I love you all just the same.
kelly mangum says:
this is a great subject – feel good content for a Friday
Mom – you are in control of how people make you feel
Dad – how to manage money wisely and to enjoy children
Chris – my husband – how to gain perspective with work frustrations
Merrill – never make a decision when you are too emotional (thank you John Boni for teaching Merrill that)
Trish, Maur, Kath – having strong true friendships can give you the confidence and strength to face challenges
Merrill Dubrow says:
Kelly
Nice comments. I am sure everyone and most of all your family will really enjoy reading them.
Thanks.
Merrill
John Heakin says:
From my Dad-’A man’s name is only as good as his word’, on a rainy Saturday afternoon when I told him a “story”. That was the last time I ever lied to anyone.
From my Mom Pat Heakin, MRA Lifetime Honorary Member-’you always put your clients first’. That was really revealing after I had studied Marketing as an undergrad. We always studied strategy and marketing institutions. I think we paid lip service to the customer, but we did not really emphasize it as much as it was at Heakin Research. Perhaps that was because in the 1960′s when I went to college, America was still a manufacturing based economy, so we studied the product mix. Now that we are service oriented, perhaps the customer has become more important as so much of service relies upon customer satisfaction based on perception.
From my wife Maureen-”your friends are the family you choose”.
From my mentor as an undergrad Dr. Donald Perry-”Never give up on anybody.” I was wild and undisciplined and had no direction. Don spent the better part of a year talking to me after class for an hour three days a week and turned me into a Dean’s High Honor Roll student and campus leader after I had been arrested by campus police and was about to flunk out.
Merrill Dubrow says:
John,
Some teachers can have such an impact on students. Dr Perry sounds like a great teacher and person.
Thanks for sharing that story.
Merrill
steve Gentile says:
From all the delicious older women in my life – my grandmothers, my mother, my wife.
When you are baking:
Use the finest ingredients you can afford.
Mix them well.
Add just a little extra sugar – a little extra sweetness goes a long way.
Never take it out of the oven early.
If you’re here to help, grab a wooden spoon; if you’re not, hand it to me so I can swat you gently in the bottom when you get in my way.
Trust your ability to do it well.
Make enough for leftovers, unexpected guests, and those in need.
You are never too poor to cook well.
Sing while you cook – it attracts the right people and keeps others away.
A glass of wine couldn’t hurt.
Correct and coach, don’t criticize.
Say your prayers and be thankful before each meal.
Steve
Jill says:
Merrill,
I love this post!
MOM: the most important thing you own is your reputation
DAD: when you are trying your best, you cannot fail
FAMILY: there is a pork chop in every can…let’s just leave that one as I am from a big party family!
Finally…life is a marathon, not a sprint!
Willie Martin says:
Hi Merrill! Here goes…
1.Mom: It takes longer to be messy than it does to be clean.
2.Dad: A book will always be your best friend.
3.Leo Buscaglia: Only a true friend will tell you if you have gook on your nose (and do so to your face).
My lessons:
4.Debt is temporary, happiness is a choice.
5.Hate trauma drama? Resist beginnings!
6.Dessert spelled backwards is stressed!
7.A mind convinced against it’s will is of the same opinion still.
8.You’re the only you you’ll ever know. Be an original!
9.He that accuseth be the one that doeth.
10. The lead dog has a great view. For everyone else the view doesn’t change.
11.When in doubt, suck up!
12.Don’t make the boss mad. There’s a reason why boss spelled backward is ssob (double S.O.B)
13.Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. All you have is the moment. Funny how we call that ‘the present’.
14.God took six days to work and one to rest. Be grateful for the weekend!
15.If you want to shoot the moon, dont aim for the clouds.
and lastly
16. Age is a number, keep that inner child alive and always enjoy the things you did as a kid.
Take care Merrill