This Saturday we celebrate the 244th Birthday of our country. Two Hundred and forty-four years ago the Founding Fathers declared, “… That these United Colonies are, and of Right, ought to be Free and Independent States…”  

Have you ever wondered how this was possible?

Great Britain was THE SUPERPOWER competing with France for superiority. By this time, Spain had fallen behind these two juggernauts. 

Then you had this tiny collection of colonies in a relatively strange and largely unknown country. I don’t think anyone knew the potential in store for what the continent of North America held. 

This was a monumental game-changer for the world. It was a colossal creation of epic paradigm-shifting proportions (no bombast here)!

It changed the world and its effect rippled through Europe setting the precedent for The French Revolution and other paradigm shifts that occurred throughout Europe and other parts of the world.

How could these fledgling colonies made up mostly of farmers, bold enough to call themselves the “United States of America”, ever hope to defeat such a powerhouse as England?

Their representatives, 56 of them representing 13 colonies, were not given authority by any form of government to do so. Yes, they had the consent of their constituents from within their colonies, but no one anointed them to set about creating a free and independent country. 

They were compelled by years of unfair treatment and denial of what they considered unalienable rights, and they believed in their hearts that they could take bold action and succeed. They overcame and achieved what to many must have seemed unthinkable.

Words, the right words, have power, and the declaration these farmers made to the world bonded them to a commitment.

Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, later explained “he was not striving for originality of principal or sentiment.” Instead, he hoped his words served as an “expression of the American mind.”

As part of their declaration, the signers pledged to one another of their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. That’s commitment.

We mark this day, July 4th, as the day we declared our independence from King George III and Great Britain. We as a fledgling and newly created nation declared, “… all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The words still have strength some 244 years later. 

As to “the pursuit of Happiness” – I wonder what the Founding Fathers meant? How do you define Happiness and its pursuit, thereof?

To put this in context of your business and your life, could you make a declaration that is bold enough, a real game-changer, and one that is the vision of the ideal future you hold deepest in your heart?

I challenge you to contemplate your vision for yourself, your family and your company. And I ask this simple question:

What are you committed to in your life right now?

This weekend, I hope that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July Holiday and that you may pursue Happiness vigorously! 

My family and I will be cooking out, going to the pool at a safe distance, kayaking, playing some golf, safely sharing with close friends and enjoying each other’s company. That’s what I’m committed to for the next few days.

Happy Fourth of July!

Until next time!