From Leader to Entrepreneur to Patriot

Tomorrow is Independence Day. With organizations becoming increasingly global, the meaning of that day needs to change. I mean, it will never be much of an occasion for our friends in the UK. That would be too much like celebrating a divorce. And for many millions in other countries, July 4 may be no more notable than January 14 (Pongal, the Harvest Festival in India) is here in the US.

So I have a suggestion. Amidst the fireworks and barbeques honoring a victory long past, let’s celebrate the people who trek into uncharted territory to create a new vision: entrepreneurs!

Whether you think of yourself as one, or not, you may be more entrepreneurial than you think. Have you ever convinced a group of people to try something new? Dreamed about improving something? Had a burning desire to help others or to create a more glorious future? If so, you have the spirit of the entrepreneur in your blood, and you deserve to be celebrated.

In that spirit, you are similar to the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who confirmed their intentions to each other, mutually pledging ‘our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor’ to the grand vision. This is also the pledge of the entrepreneur: to continue striving, and to do nothing half way.

As the hot dogs are passed around and the fireworks dazzle the waterfront, I will be celebrating the pledge I made eleven years ago, when The Gabriel Institute was founded. I hope that you will be celebrating yourself, too.