Former President George H. W. Bush died on November 30, 2018 at the age of 94.
That week we mourned, memorialized, and celebrated his successful life full of love, family, friends, and service.
Some of George H. W. Bush’s letters sent to friends have been published, including one that provides 10 tips for achieving success.
His Life Was Not Without Setbacks
In World War II George Bush’s jet was shot down in the Pacific Ocean. After four hours in a small life boat with Japanese firing at him from the shoreline, he was rescued by a U.S. submarine.
And there were plenty of political setbacks.
He lost his bid to the Senate in 1964, but rebounded with a win to the House of Representatives in 1966.
He came up short in a second run for the Senate in 1970. George Bush was fortunate to continue his service to the country he loved through various Presidential appointments.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Director of the CIA.
George Bush even lost his first attempt to be the Republican party’s Presidential nominee in 1980.
Ronald Reagan selected George Bush as his running mate, launching a successful career in the Executive branch that culminated with his inauguration as the 41st President of the United States.
A lifetime of setbacks, but even greater successes.
We Can All Learn From George Bush
In a letter from George H. W. Bush to former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano, as reported by Brett Baier of Fox News, he offers this advice:
I cannot single out the one greatest challenge in my life. I have had a lot of challenges and my advice to young people might be as follows
1. Don’t get down when your life takes a bad turn. Out of adversity comes challenge and often success
2. Don’t blame others for your setbacks
3. When things go well, always give credit to others
4. Don’t talk all the time. Listen to your friends and mentors and learn from them
5. Don’t brag about yourself. Let others point out your virtues, your strong points.
6. Give someone else a hand. When a friend is hurting show that friend you care
7. Nobody likes an overbearing big shot
8. As you succeed, be kind to people. Thank those who help you along the way.
9. Don’t be afraid to shed a tear when your heart is broken because a friend is hurting.
10. Say your prayers!!
George Bush
Though written for all young people, this advice is applicable for Account Managers looking to succeed in advertising … and in life.
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