Michelle

Sometimes moments of playfulness can inspire our greatest achievements. July 24

Before "Michelle" became one of The Beatles' most beloved ballads, it started as Paul's party trick. During their early Liverpool days, he would put on an exaggerated French accent at gatherings, pretending to be a sophisticated continental type to impress the ladies. What seemed like harmless goofing around was actually planting the seeds for musical greatness.

Even John recognized the potential in Paul's silly French persona. Years later, when they needed material for *Rubber Soul*, John encouraged Paul to develop that bit of frivolity into a song. Sometimes our friends see brilliance in what we dismiss as foolishness.

Luckily, Paul had help with the actual French lyrics. Ivan Vaughan, the mutual friend who had introduced John and Paul at that fateful church fete in 1957, was married to a French teacher. When Paul explained his concept, Ivan's wife provided the proper French phrases that transformed Paul's party trick into poetic romance. "Michelle, ma belle" became one of music's most recognizable openings.

Landing The Beatles their first Grammy Award and worldwide acclaim, "Michelle" proves that excellence often emerges from the most unexpected places. What we consider silliness or playful moments may actually be the seeds of something significant.

Excellence often emerges from humble, often amusing origins. The key is staying open to developing these seeds when the right moment arrives.