THE WISDOM OF THE BEATLES
Be inspired by the most iconic band of our generation.
If You've Got Trouble
Knowing when to shelve something is as important as knowing when to share it
April 12
Ringo sang lead on this Lennon-McCartney song recorded for Help! but left in the vault, this track didn't surface until Anthology 2 decades later. The Beatles knew something wasn't working and had the wisdom to recognize when a song wasn't good enough. Not everything they did deserved to be released.
“If You’ve Got Trouble” didn’t make the cut at the time, but the public was able to hear it years later as part of Anthology. The song has its moments. You can hear the possibility in it, but something about it didn't meet the Beatles' standards. This decisiveness kept their catalog strong because they were willing to abandon what wasn't working.
Not everything we create shows us at our best. It takes time to develop any skill. And even when we have developed a skill, it doesn’t mean that every effort works. Continuing to experiment and try new things requires the courage to fail.
Generating your best work every time is impossible. By leaving this track unreleased during their active years, the Beatles maintained the quality standards that made each album an event. When it finally appeared on Anthology, it served as an interesting archive rather than a disappointing release.
Our only chance to create something meaningful is to continue to create. The Beatles didn’t stop creating because they had a few throw away songs. They used those as learning experiences to do better next time. We can do the same.
Today, I will evaluate one project honestly and consider whether completing it serves my actual goals or just my ego's need to finish everything I start.
What creative effort might you be forcing toward completion when shelving it would actually demonstrate better judgment? How could strategic abandonment improve your overall quality?
Join April's New Beginnings Lessons
When George Harrison walked out of a contentious business meeting in 1969 and into Eric Clapton's garden, he discovered the strategic power of renewal. The song he wrote that afternoon, "Here Comes the Sun," would become The Beatles' most-streamed track and a masterclass in navigating transitions. Throughout April, we'll explore how their approach to new beginnings, strategic retreats, and turning endings into opportunities provides actionable frameworks for leaders navigating organizational transitions, career pivots, and transforming uncertainty into growth in every area of life.
Are you looking for deeper learning? Check out the full post for a 15 minute read.