So there’s apparently a reddit forum called “LinkedIn Lunatics” and they were kind enough to roast me this weekend.
Was pretty fun.
The LinkedIn post in question is this one from Friday. I suggest– in an unusually provocative tone– that failing to work on Thanksgiving risks letting others in your profession pass you by.
This really touched a nerve with folks– people LOVE Thanksgiving and spending time with their families and do NOT want to feel judged or inadequate for doing so. And they really let me have it!
Obviously my point is that elite people (and those who serve our nation) are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to stay at the top of their game 365 days a year–and I think most people understand that– but the Redditors thought I was some sort of tool that thought everyone should work Thanksgiving day just for the sake of it. Hahahahaha.
Anyway was a lot of fun. We all read the stuff aloud over the weekend and laughed a ton.
I know a lot of you think these Redditors are just mean-spirited trolls or losers that don’t have anything else better to do than pick on LinkedIn posts but I disagree. I know a lot of smart people on Reddit and while I certainly spend my time doing other things (never had a reddit account), I think its great that people get out there and debate and share their opinions on things– even if they aren’t very informed opinions. hahha.
If you want to check it out the forum is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/LinkedInLunatics/comments/1p9czl9/we_got_one_boys_posted_the_day_after_thanksgiving/
The one pervasive theme I saw in the posts– other than that nobody wants me at Thanksgiving dinner – is the fear that working too hard will result in a person having a bad relationship with their family/dying alone.
Don’t think that’s true. The issue isn’t hard work. It’s why the hard work is taking place.
Everything done of love succeeds. And if you are working hard because you love your family, your clients, your friends, and your country and want to be the best FOR THEM everyone will know that– and you will be loved for it!
My life is so rich and full of love. Overflowing with so many friends and well-wishers. An entire community who looks to me for advice and wit and laughs–in addition to an INCREDIBLE family and team (such incredible people)!
I am the luckiest guy on Earth
Plus I get the benefits of stuff like having my name on my favorite college football team’s stadium, my own magazine, and the ability to impact the world– like stopping billions of unwanted robocalls and running for congress to keep our nation strong and united.
I mean this is awesome..
I truly am the luckiest guy in the entire world– which is why I always try to give back as much as I can.
But all of this came because of hard work not despite hard work. The RIGHT KIND of hard work.
That time we gave away FREE patriotic hats because we love our community and our nation!
I work hard and sacrifice for others —and because of that I have been so blessed.
But if you only work hard for yourself then you risk becoming the terrible scorned and lonely deathbed loser.
I can understand why the Redditors thought I was the “egotist” who would “die alone” because I seem too focused on little projects to see the big picture.
But all I see is the big picture– which is how I ended up with a cup that never stops overflowing.
And I try to help others to see the big picture too– because I want EVERYONE to win also.
Be generous. Be grateful. Share all you can. Love intensely and deeply and be very open about it. And people will love you back–yes, they’ll even want you at Thanksgiving dinner!– no matter how hard you work (or how many dinners you have to miss.) Because they know you’re doing it for them.
Much respect to the Redditors who let me have it. But even more respect to the beautiful people– like my brother, an Orange County fire captain– who had to miss dinner with their families to work Thanksgiving to keep us safe.
People who work the holidays to serve others aren’t the worst of us. They’re the best of us.
Much love.
Now donate to my campaign already.
America Deserves To Win!
Chat soon.