Take a Little Time
‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the value of taking a little time. Don’t be in a hurry!’
Please don’t be in a hurry. When we hurry, we make mistakes. We end up focusing on little things, that seem important at the time – but we lose our appreciation for the big picture – the things that are really important. We get into a time sensitive, competitive mode – and lose our zest, our creativity. And most of all, we fail to value the human aspect, our relationships and respect for others.
As case in point, this thought is well understood and practiced the by our US Navy SEALs. Known far and wide as the world’s most elite fighting force, throughout the course of their history, the SEALs have developed a series of mottos originating from the incredibly challenging nature of their work. And while these mottos were developed to guide SEALs through their training and missions, they’re also great metaphors for us to reflect on and apply in our more ordinary daily lives. The SEALs live by the words: “Don’t Run to Your Death.”
At face value, it may sound a bit harsh, and that’s because for SEALs it's meant to be understood literally. When it comes to the work they do, there is no space for impulsive behavior or behavior dictated purely by emotions. At every step of the way, they deploy a methodical coolness that reduces risk and gives them the best chance for a successful outcome. And while most of us will likely never face the same circumstances these heroes regularly do, there’s an important lesson that can be taken from this motto, one that can be applied to everyday life.
As we go through our day to day, juggling the many aspects of our lives, it's likely we feel as though we can rarely take time to slow down, especially with the pace at which everything seems to move today. Everything and everyone is seemingly in a hurry. More often than not, we continue to move forward because that’s what we’re used to doing. And more often than not, that need to hurry can lead to mistakes we didn’t intend to encounter. In some cases, they can be happy, inconsequential errors. After all we have discussed the virtues of perseverance in the Sunshine Report. Yet, there is a happy balance. Allowing yourself to pause, to give ample thought to the challenges you may encounter, and methodically build a definitive way forward, whether it be related to business, finances, relationships, health, and so on, gives you the best chance to succeed in your mission. Just think, if it works for the Navy SEALs, what could it do for you?
High School Football Returns!
Many of you know my passion for football. On any given Sunday you’ll find me glued to a television screen where I will be cheering on our Patriots! What some of you might not know is, I was once also played football for the Newport High School Tigers. So many fond memories of taking the field, working hard to make good things happen. Move the ball forward, stop the opponents, win the game. But, win or lose, the ability to unite around a plan, work together, and support one another created long lasting life lessons, most notably learning the value of teamwork. That is the foundation of football, and I see so many great coaches across the state Instilling this in their players today.
There are nearly 60 high school teams in New Hampshire. High schools large and small, where hundreds of players are able to take the field and show they’ve got what it takes.
So many great coaches throughout the state, but one I would like to highlight is my good friend Andrew Provencher. He exemplifies what it means to be a coach in New Hampshire. Andrew is the defensive coordinator for Bishop Guertin High School. Andrew is a small business owner and father raising young kids with his wife Pam. Like so many high school coaches, who give their all, Andrew’s plate is more than full but he still finds the time to coach, to make his players stronger, and pass on a message of teamwork, both on the field and off.
I remember the lasting impact that high school football played in my life. I also remember the way the town of Newport came out and united as a community to support our team. It was special in so many ways. We won a state championship my senior year, undefeated. And, while winning was a wonderful experience, the hard work, the discipline, the teamwork and the camaraderie are the lasting life memories. And, right now, today, we can be thankful that these same experiences are being lived once again as high school football is now back in full swing across the Granite State. (Go Tigers!)
Car Shows – Nostalgia and More…
One of the very cool things about New Hampshire is our car shows. Classic cars can be seen throughout the year across the state. Car enthusiasts gather at car shows to display their rare rides and often for a good cause. Take for instance, Manchester’s ‘Cruising Downtown’ show which took place last Saturday. With over 1,000 classic and unique vehicles, this event, which is run by ten volunteers from the local Rotary Club, is a prime downtown attraction which provides a boost to local businesses and a stellar outdoor activity to enjoy with family.
In the Granite State, we have a wide variety of car shows – and they really happen throughout the year. One of the largest is the Bedford Historical Society’s Antique and Classic Car Show and draws visitors from all across the United States. And, includes all varieties of ‘cars’ – open horse drawn, non-running, modified, and restored. Other shows that you might want to check out are the Amherst Antique Auto Show, the Mount Washington Valley Old Car Show, and the Castle in the Clouds Car Show, among others.
And, while we are on the subject of antique cars and car shows, Newport, New Hampshire has a different car legend of sorts. The late William Ruger, Jr, former CEO, of Sturm, Ruger firearms, was known for his extensive car collection which at one point consisted of more than one hundred vintage vehicles including Rolls Royce’s and Bentley’s. What made Bill and his love for his collection especially unique is that he actually drove many of the cars on an almost daily basis!
These car collections and the wonderful related items on display at our shows represent much more than just pieces of metal. They represent a bygone time when transportation was an exclusive club and a reminder of just how far our society has come in making vehicle transportation a part of everyday life! And, more recent cars – of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and so on, bring back fond memories for many of us of our very first own car – and the enjoyable times we experienced.
Positive Profile of the Week: Dick Anagnost
This week we are delighted to highlight a true business leader who has consistently been a force for good in his community – Dick Anagnost of Manchester.
For many years, Dick has been involved in and at the center of some of Manchester’s biggest revitalization programs, especially bringing life back to the city’s downtown. When he was in his 20’s, Dick started his first company and acquired his first commercial property. As a young man he invested in an old city and was determined to bring back the downtown of what is known as New Hampshire’s Queen City.
In the 80’s and 90’s, the downtown of Manchester wasn't what we know it today. Vacant store fronts, boarded up buildings, and crumbling sidewalks. That all changed when Dick and his team from Anagnost Companies began restoring buildings and working with businesses to relocate to downtown Manchester. Today the city is filled with life, energy, and great opportunities.
And, Dick certainly hasn’t slowed down. His recent projects include a new shopping center on the south end of Manchester and the conversion of an old movie theater into a Draft Kings sports betting and charity gaming facility.
And, importantly, Dick has always remembered his roots and loves his community. Time and time again, Anagnost Companies has been and continues to be a strong supporter of the many nonprofits in Manchester. In the coming weeks the popular Glendi Festival will be taking place at Saint George Greek Church, and you can be almost certain that you’ll find the whole Anagnost family volunteering many hours working in the kitchen, food line, and all other operations of this great event
If you want to understand what it is to be a pillar of the community, look no further than Dick Anagnost, a man who has brought vitality and life to our state’s largest city. Manchester is blessed to have Dick as a leader and a positive force for good!
Quotes of the Week: Don’t be in a Hurry
“Just be patient. Let the game come to you. Don't rush. Be quick, but don't hurry.”
Earl Monroe
“Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them?”
Clara Schumann
“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.”
Soren Kierkegaard
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.”
Winston Churchill
“Do not be in a hurry to succeed. What would you have to live for afterwards? Better make the horizon your goal; it will always be ahead of you.”
William Makepeace Thackeray