On July 4, 1776 the founders of our country signed their names to the Declaration of Independence. This document became the foundation for uniting the many states of America. Our forefathers had the insight to write a very powerful document. The second paragraph clearly states: ” We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…”
Listen, these men certainly had a lot going on in their time too. Little things for example-starting a country, escaping social persecution, facing economic challenges, fighting a war, writing the constitution, and defining a government. I think you get the picture. Here is the punch line though- even then they knew to send us a message, a very important message, a message that clearly states that is our right to pursue Happiness! They knew it over 234 years and were wise enough to send us that message.
I believe we let go of this very right somewhere in the last twenty four to thirty six months. We gave up our power to pursue what was rightly ours as Americans. We gave up our power and in the process we gave up on our own abilities to control our destiny. Why? Because our focus has been squarely on what we have lost and not what we have gained.
Think of what we have gained in the restaurant industry in the past thirty six months. New concepts have emerged, we have re-engaged in innovation, creative thinking, new venues for growth have appeared, and new thinking has been re-ignited in our industry. Look around at who is winning: McDonald’s, Wendy’s Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wing’s, Raising Cane’s, P.F. Chang’s, IHOP, Houlihan’s, Smashburger, Starbuck’s, Which Wich, Pinkberry, Red Mango, BJ Restaurants, Wing Zone, Pizza Patron, etc. New concepts are opening everywhere both in terms of small chains and independents. Yes, I realize many restaurants have closed and are currently being sold on the cheap. However, let’s look closer at these restaurants- were they current, were they relevant, were they “hot” and when was the last time you had eaten at one of them?
My point is there are companies winning everyday in our industry. The time is now to exercise our right to pursue happiness. We all have the freedom to make a choice. The choice begins with one person deciding to make a positive difference to win. One person can start a movement to change a team, a workplace, a community and a society. It starts with a choice to be part of the solution versus languishing in despair, desperation and decline. Where would our country be today if our fore fathers made that choice? We can all make the choice to win, to think differently, to stretch, to take risks and to rise the occasion. It’s time for all of us to get back in the saddle and giddy up to a better place. It’s time for all of us to see the glass half full and drain that glass and fill it up again.
It’s time for us to celebrate success again, even little victories. It’s time to for us to start feeling good about the positive things in our businesses and lives. It’s time for us to take back our power and start living in a world of possibilities. It’s time that we take back our ability to dream for a greater tomorrow. It’s time for us to connect with what makes this industry great and that is to be bold again.
Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s said “the only way to control your destiny is to create your destiny.” It is our time to take back our power to create our destiny. Start today by making the choice to run a better restaurant, a better shift or even a better station. It is your right to pursue Happiness and success!