40. Keep Things Fun.

 
Remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day and enjoy the journey we’re on together.

Dave's Message:

 

This week’s “FUN”damental is my favorite…HAVE FUN…I believe all people want to be happy in their lives. I want to share a brief story.

For many years I had the pleasure of living next to the last (1979) World Series Pittsburgh Pirates Manager, Chuck Tanner. Chuck was known as the eternal optimist and “Mr. Positive”. First he was a professional baseball player (playing with Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn and many others) and then had several managerial jobs in baseball before coming to the Pirates. Chuck always had fun every day. This in no way means that Chuck did not work hard and make tough decisions.  As one of the best managers in baseball, Chuck considered himself very lucky to coach his hometown team of the Pittsburgh Pirates (he also coached the Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox). He worked with some of the best ballplayers of that era (Willie Stargell, Dave Parker and Richie Allen just to mention a few). I am sure these superstars weren’t the easiest to coach and guide. One evening, several years after he retired as a manager, I stopped to talk with Chuck in his yard. One thing that struck me was the always positive conversations I would have with him. That night Chuck said something that I will never forget. “Lynch, I have been the luckiest guy in the world to play a game that I loved and work with some of the nicest people in the game of baseball. Why wouldn’t I have fun every day? Chuck has been gone for several years but I often think of his comment and how it relates to my (everyone’s) day to day activities. “WHY SHOULDN’T WE HAVE FUN EVERY DAY”?

Isn’t it so much better to work alongside someone that is upbeat and happy?

I know we have a lot of people within the Famous organization that practice the “HAVE FUN” fundamental every day. And it is contagious!… Next time someone says “Good Morning” to you with a gentle smile, I hope you think of what Chuck Tanner told me “WHY SHOULDN’T I HAVE FUN EVERY DAY”?

Thanks for reading and make it a great day!