Jim Rohn left college after a year and began his professional life as a stock clerk for Sears. He went on to mentor and influence organizations like Herbalife International and people, including life coach Tony Robbins and “Chicken Soup” book series creator Jack Canfield.
Before he died in 2009, the immensely popular business philosopher and entrepreneur wrote a couple bestsellers: 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness: Power Ideas from America's Foremost Business Philosopher and My Philosophy For Successful Living.
It’s fair to say Rohn meets old newsman Harry Porterfield’s definition of “Someone you should know.” And that’s not just for business people.
One thing Rohn wrote that sticks with me is this phrase: “Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.”
What parent hasn’t said something similar to his or her children as motivation to try harder or work smarter? Who hasn’t self-motivated to a similar mantra? And yes, what leader of an organization hasn’t uttered something reminiscent of this (if not identical) to his or her associates?
At Forest Packaging, I’d like to think all of us, knowingly or coincidentally, use this Jim Rohn phrase as both a personal benchmark and the way we hold each another accountable. It’s the way we do our best work for our customers and create a positive, family-oriented workplace.
Over the past year, we have made significant investments in the machinery that keeps our company state-of-the-art. But more important than the bells and whistles that come with the coolest new toys, these machines enable quicker turnaround, more flexibility, smaller runs and lower costs. That’s being better for our customers.
We’ve also remodeled our offices, and various work spaces on our shop floor. Quite honestly, they look awesome, and the new look makes it more fun to come to work. That’s being better for our employees.
I’m proud of these improvements. But in the spirit of Jim Rohn, I keep looking for ways to be better and appreciate the people in my life who keep me accountable to pursuing that constant challenge.