About 7 months ago, I was scrolling through Facebook and ended up watching a TON of Facebook Stories. Truthfully, this is something I never really did beyond the first handful of people I knew. (until I realized how powerful they can be). This day however, Green Eggs and Ham caught my attention.

Yes, Dr. Seuss. Legit. 

And, this story caught my attention so much so, that I sent him (we can call him Tim) a message.

Who knew what he found to be silly or loosely entertaining – TOTALLY RESONATED with me. Relatable, nostalgic, fun, all the things that struck the right emotional chords with me and caused me to take action. We can save that story for another time but in short, Green Eggs + Ham went on to be the foundation of a friendship super special to me personally and a collaboration professionally we’re excited about.

In the spirit of the man, the myth and the legend (as Tim might put it) I thought I would share a few lessons I took away from this classic from Dr. Seuss.

Lessons we can Learn from Green Eggs and Ham

I think there’s a lot to say about remaining young at heart, and I also think that Dr. Seuss exemplifies this silly youthfulness in a way no one else really can. While, the memory of this book brings me back to childhood I have to wonder how much of these lessons I took away — even subconsciously.

Even as adults, it is pretty incredible what Dr. Seuss can teach us. Providing of course you’re open to it.

1. Own your name.

When meeting people in a formal setting, state your full name. Your name is your is your legacy.

2. Haters aren’t significant.

The other guy in Green Eggs and Ham doesn’t even have a name, yet he lets us know right away that he does not like Sam-I-Am. That guy represents people in the world who will hate on your ideas, your creativity, your fearlessness, your tenacity, and so on. Ignore ’em keep it moving.

3. Focus + planning.

To get that other guy to try green eggs and ham, Sam-I-Am never deviated from the goal. He stuck to his plan. See, we tend to get excited about our idea and start to lose focus and excitement when things start getting difficult. Stick to your plan!

4. Optimism wins.

Sam-I-Am didn’t get discouraged for 60 pages of trying to convince one guy to try green eggs and ham. He never seemed to grow tired of that other guy refusing him and, never got discouraged or complacent. He stayed the course.

5. Keep an open mind.

There’s something new to experience in life every day, if you’re open to it.

6. Be curious + inquisitive.

Sam-I-Am asks questions to find out what would get the other guy to try it. It’s good to be inquisitive in life. Don’t take everything at face value. Ask the why, when, how, what, where.

7. Try and try again.

In life, we need to not give up so quickly because of challenges or adversity. You never know when the tide will turn. 

Are there any life lessons you’ve taken away from the least expecting places? I’d bet your audience would benefit, resonate or be inspired by them too …