A friend recently sent me a great article authored by Richard Branson in Entrepreneur entitled “Richard Branson Shares Business and Life Lessons From His Mother“. I found his article both charming and inspiring and I thought it might be a valuable exercise to go through myself.
Mr. Branson’s mother sounds a lot like mine: a lover of persons whose energy is matched just barely by a five year old. I, too, am eternally indebted to my parents for their generosity, enfoldment and unflinching support, as well as for their willingness to give me the space to grow up and stand on my own two feet.
Of all the lessons I learned from my mother, the following stand out to me today:
1. Love what you do
Not do what you love, but love what you do. You’ll have to do many things in life that you don’t want to, so why not make a point of enjoying them and bringing a smile to the faces of those in it with you? You’ll spare yourself a lot of grief.
2. Don’t knock it till you try it
That rule minimized the number of complaints that likely would have been voiced in a family of four boys in relation to a whole host of things. Criticizing another person, place or thing while having no experience with it simply wasn’t tolerated.
3. Start what you finish
My mother is a great finisher of things. No matter how complex a sewing project she undertakes she somehow always ends of getting it done in time for the christening, birthday or special occasion…all the while tending to a million other things. Her ability in this area never ceases to amaze me.
4. It is what it is
Don’t waste time wishing things were different. They are what they are at any given moment. That said, everything changes, so be on the lookout for the apertures to a new experience. If you didn’t waste time and energy bemoaning your circumstances you’ll meet the new pattern with the fulness of your energy and attention.
5. Look for the bright spot
There is a saying that is typically used at the end of life – “walk toward the light” – that could be usefully employed all through life. If you look for the bright spot in your circumstances, you’ll find that no matter how constrictive they may become you’ll be moving toward the opening to a brighter, lighter and more fulfilling experience.
I’d love to hear what you learned from yours!
Gregory Hake 
I read that article too, it made me smile!
My parents, though very different in temperament, agree on a few basic principles.
1. In all things give thanks.
In every circumstance it opens the door to solutions.
2. You come to the throne of God alone.
You are ultimately responsible for how you live your life. Make it count.
3. Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight…(they don’t say this one aloud much).
Be prepared. And on the contrary…
4. Don’t use a nuclear explosion when a fire cracker will do!
Thanks Gregg. Your mother’s wisdom has served you well.
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One thing that I learned from my mother is to always take ownership of anything that you are doing. When my mother does something, she does it the right way the first time. The other thing, closely related, is to let go of self-centeredness. Looking back to my childhood, I realize that the focus of her attention was never her or how she felt, but instead how she could care for or take care of others. She led, and still continues to lead, by example.
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I love this! Thanks, Gregg. A reminder that my mother was always right. (Mostly.)
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These are awesome. These are a few (of many) that I learned from my mother:
1. Life isn’t always fair – this helped me to understand that things don’t always work out the way you anticipated. Also, don’t bother comparing yourself to another as it’s not only an exercise in futility, but is quite impossible to do when you think about it, as no two people are alike.
2. The importance of forgiveness – I learned at an early age, the power of forgiveness and that it’s a skill honed, just like any other. The more you forgive, the easier and faster you can do it.
3. Always have a sense of humor – I don’t think there’s anything that we haven’t been able to laugh at as a family. In good times and in bad, there is always a bright side and if you ever lose your ability to laugh, your sunk.
4. Have empathy – This was such an important lesson that I learned – by example. My mother always had empathy for others and what they might be experiencing. With empathy comes sensitivity, caring, perception and true humanity.
5. Don’t judge – There is always more than meets the eye and to judge other people for where they are or what they do is the work of a small minded (and hearted) person.
6. That I can make a difference – I was taught that everyone has the power to influence the world around them and does every day. The question is, “What type of influence are you going to be?” The answer is in the little choices and actions that we make every day.
7. Always appreciate your mother. And, I do!
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