THE WISDOM OF THE BEATLES
Be inspired by the most iconic band of our generation.
Something
Patience brings recognition
February 25
Moving with patience through uncertainty describes both this song and George's journey. He wrote what Frank Sinatra called "the greatest love song of the last fifty years" for Pattie Boyd during the "Abbey Road" sessions. “Something” became the first George composition to appear as a Beatles A-side, finally earning him equal billing with John and Paul after years of having songs relegated to album filler.
Officially, George was born on this day in 1943 (or was he?). As we mentioned yesterday, this is the birthdate written on his birth certificate. However, his family claims he was born a little before midnight and the hospital made a mistake when they completed the birth certificate. Either way, we will celebrate the rest of February with some of George’s best love songs.
Validating his emergence as a brilliant songwriter, this song became his first single with The Beatles and promptly became a #1 hit. While John and Paul were busy writing hit song after hit song, George slowly honed his craft. This song's sophisticated chord progression and memorable melody proved he belonged on equal footing with the power songwriting team of Lennon-McCartney.
Emerging talent often needs time to develop, and George's journey shows the importance of persistent refinement. When given the opportunity, he shined. The limited opportunities allowed him to build a back log of songs so strong that his first album, “All Things Must Pass” was a triple album.
Success tastes sweeter when you've earned it through years of dedicated work. George's birthday is a great day to remind us that steady improvement can be the road to undeniable excellence. He kept refining his craft even when others weren’t noticing; from that persistent work came some of the greatest songs ever written.
Today, I will identify one skill I'm developing quietly and commit to improvement regardless of current recognition.
What ability are you cultivating that hasn't received acknowledgment yet? How might patience and persistence eventually bring the recognition you deserve?
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.