A takeaway about Thoreau and snow

Henry David Thoreau offered a simple, beautifully unique view on how to inspire as leaders: “To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” I’ll offer an interpretation, then a real-world example I hope you’ll love as much as I do. 

Notice, Thoreau says: …the **highest** of **arts**" 

That’s a helluva claim, and I think he’s right. 

Life is art, and we can make it more beautiful. To do that more, by choice, is our calling.  

It’s what leaders should do, every day, interaction by interaction. Affect the quality of the day, make it better than it would have been, for others & ourselves, come what may. 

Any interaction, almost every interaction. Look for what could be better, and take a shot at it. See better, do better. 

Thoreau pre-echoes what legendary leader Coach John Wooden said countless times throughout his life, also invoking art & beauty in his one-sentence secret to success: “Make each day your masterpiece.” 

Life is art, if we make it so.

Here’s a real-world example, of a terrific leader-next-door doing it. It’s the kind of thing any of us can do too, though I certainly didn’t:)

When I was a kid, one of my chores was shoveling the driveway -- snow, ice, slush, cold, I hated it. 

Years later my friend showed me a better way. When it snows in their neighborhood, he and his young kids suit up like it’s game day for their favorite sport. They high-five, then head to homes of older folks on their street, to shovel & clear their driveways and sidewalks for them. 

Laughing, competing, stopping to throw snowballs at each other, getting exercise, being an awesome team. They win every time! Then they go home & celebrate the win:) 

Snowpiles & clear driveways. Works of art. A morning masterpiece. 

What a special leader my friend is! What a gift to his kids and his neighbors. 

To my friend, Thoreau’s reminder comes naturally. But I need more of them, and I’m grateful to get them and share them:)  

Seems to me life at work should be more like that, and leaders should make it more that way.

To turn what can be done, or should be done, or must be done, into purposeful play. 

That’s the takeaway: Thoreau the snow.