How A Selfless Clinton, IA Man Changed the Way I Think

Last night, I was driving home from the Clinton City Council meeting. The time was 10:15. I was thinking about new ways to reignite the passion of our approximately 27,000 Clinton, Iowa residents, when I witnessed the action of a single man that put all of my thoughts back in focus.

Greg Dickinson was standing outside at the corner of Main Avenue and Second Street touching up the Lyons’ shopping district mural. It was dark out, and Greg, with absolutely no selfish reason to be out that late painting, was working hard at preserving the beauty of Clinton, IA. This man had worked relentlessly just a few short hours earlier, delivering papers all across town. And somehow, he was able to find the energy to pick up his paint can, and work on something that many of us take for granted.

So then I asked myself, “If Greg has the passion and power to paint a freakin’ mural at 10:15 PM, why can’t some people muster the energy to pull their weeds, or beautify their store fronts?!”

Within that simply stated question lies the secret folks. The people who choose to go the extra mile, and do everything in their power to succeed…

WILL SUCCEED!

There’s no magical recipe. Greg’s discipline should be, and needs to be, applied to everything we do. Whether you are a business owner, councilmen, tradesman or work from home, you need to give it your all. Sure, you will need to make sacrifices along the way, but if you are not willing to give something up for the betterment of others, well then you are destined to fail.

 “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” ~Zig Ziglar

The next time you pass Greg walking down the street, I want you to throw your car into park, and go shake his hand. That man deserves the respect and praise of this community. He’s cordial, polite, knowledgeable and sees the world differently than most.

A world that I want to live in.

Take a lesson from Mr. Dickinson, and start making a difference.

P.S. If you are bitter, feel cheated or are just plain angry at life in general, try doing something nice for your fellow man. It will make you feel better 100% of the time. I guarantee it! ~Andy #themarketingguy