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 March's Metal Health Lessons
When John Lennon admitted "Help! I need somebody" in 1965, he shattered expectations for rock stars by choosing vulnerability over invincibility. That radical honesty revealed how The Beatles understood that acknowledging struggle doesn't diminish strength, it creates the foundation for sustainable success. Throughout March, we'll explore how their approach to mental wellness, emotional honesty, and inner refuge provides actionable frameworks for leaders navigating burnout, anxiety, and unprecedented pressure in every area of life.
Are you looking for deeper learning? Check out the full post for a 15 minute read.