Chapter 1: The Philosophy of Distinction

My mentor, Ben Glass, often says, "Show up like no one else!" This idea is elaborated in his book, Play Left Fullback, where he shares a personal story from his youth about auditioning for a travel soccer team. The essence of his message is about presenting yourself uniquely compared to your peers, ensuring that you stand out and get recognized. For those interested in the complete narrative, it’s worth seeking out the book. Ben frequently shares this wisdom with individuals of all ages who aspire to excel in their academic and professional journeys.

In addition to his advice, I want to emphasize another crucial aspect: not just how you arrive, but how you depart. It’s essential to give your utmost effort not only at the start of a project but also as you reach its conclusion. Many of us have experienced a dip in motivation as we transition from one significant commitment to another. This phenomenon is often referred to as "senioritis," especially when high school seniors receive their college acceptance letters and their academic performance begins to wane. In the military, we referred to it as "dropping your pack," which reflects a lack of motivation to perform when a new assignment is on the horizon.

This issue is prevalent in law firms, small businesses, and among individuals in general. Have you ever worked alongside someone who, after accepting a new position, became unreliable in meeting their final deadlines or in training their replacement? Or perhaps you’ve witnessed a relationship deteriorate, with the other person no longer caring for shared responsibilities? And who can forget the experience of clearing out a drawer filled with leftover candy canes when a Sergeant is deployed? (Guilty as charged!)

The crux of the issue is that when one experiences "senioritis" or "drops their pack," it often places an additional burden on others. Team members in a group project may have to compensate for your portion. Colleagues may need to shoulder responsibilities that were initially yours. Former friends might find themselves managing tasks that you’ve decided are no longer important. I’ve been fortunate at Ben Glass Law to work with exceptional team members who, upon moving on to new opportunities, continue to give their best right up until their last day. They ensure every detail is attended to and provide the team with the necessary information to maintain workflow and client satisfaction. They understand that we collectively strive toward a shared objective, and just because you’re transitioning to a new chapter doesn’t mean you should leave chaos behind. The way someone exits garners considerable respect from me—true excellence recognizes excellence.

This month, take some time for self-reflection regarding your approach to departures. We all reach the end of commitments eventually, but you don’t complete a marathon by easing off. When you’re nearing the finish line, you should exert every ounce of energy you have left and give it your all until it hurts. Then, celebrate your achievement with a bagel and high-fives from fellow runners. I encourage you to apply that same vigor to everything you conclude.

In the first video, "What It Means To Live Like No One Else - Dave Ramsey Rant," Dave Ramsey elaborates on the significance of living life with intentionality and purpose, encouraging individuals to go against the norm.

The second video, "Live Like No One Else So Later You Can LIVE Like No One Else!" reinforces the idea of making sacrifices now to enjoy a fulfilling life later, underscoring the importance of hard work and dedication.