In my favorite comic strip, “Peanuts,” Charlie Brown is walking off the baseball field with Lucy, his head down and totally dejected. Charlie says, “Another ball game lost! Good grief! I get tired of losing. Everything I do, I lose!”

Lucy replies: “Look at it this way, Charlie Brown. We learn more from losing than we do from winning.”

To which Charlie replies, “That makes me the smartest person in the world!”

Always the philosopher, Charlie Brown makes a great point. Now his charge is to use some of that knowledge to find a way to win, at least some of the time.

Avid sports fans will remember the legendary Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who said, “Winning isn’t everything, but it beats anything that comes in second.”

Winners always have an idea and look for a way to do it, while losers always have an excuse and look for a way to get out of it. Winners say, “I’ll do it!” and “I can.” Losers always say, “It’s not my job” and “I can’t.” Winners see an answer to every problem. Losers see a problem for every answer.

That attitude goes beyond sports. It applies through all phases of life.

Winning in business is certainly important, but it's crucial to understand what "winning" truly means. Winning in business doesn't always mean being the biggest or the most profitable. Success can be defined by achieving specific goals, such as customer satisfaction, innovation, market share or employee well-being.

Winning should be about creating long-term value rather than short-term gains. Sustainable growth involves building a solid foundation that ensures continued success over time, rather than just focusing on immediate victories.

In a rapidly changing business environment, adaptability is key. Winning businesses are those that can innovate and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, staying ahead of the competition.

A business that prioritizes its customers is more likely to succeed. Winning in business often means delivering exceptional value and service to customers, which leads to loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

How you win is as important as winning itself. Upholding ethical standards and integrity can enhance a company's reputation and ensure long-term success.

“Winning doesn’t always mean being first,” said Bonnie Blair, five-time gold medal American speed skater. “Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.”

Strange as it sounds, losing can be part of winning. Businesses that learn from their failures and use them as steppingstones to improve processes and strategies are often the ones that ultimately succeed.

I love to win, whether it’s a business success, completing a volunteer project, landing my golf drive on the green, hitting a fundraising goal or even crossing another item off my bucket list.

And I find that just because I win at something, it doesn’t have to mean that someone else loses. One business achievement can inspire those around you to aim higher. When winning becomes part of the culture, the company wins, employees win, customers win and the community wins. In other words, winning can be contagious.

A football coach, speaking at his college’s booster club fundraiser, was having a difficult time avoiding the subject of his team’s losing season. He finally decided to make light of his predicament and said, “As you all know, we’re not doing too well in our conference. We’re not winning any ball games, but you must admit, we are exciting to watch.”

With that he proceeded to expound on the virtues of playing the game with enthusiasm versus the need to win. At the program’s conclusion, a faithful supporter approached the coach and offered this suggestion: “Why don’t you play with a little less hype and win a few games.”

In business, you can view yourself in two ways -- as a worker or an entrepreneur.

You don’t have to be an hourly employee to have a worker mentality, nor do you have to be an independent businessperson to have an entrepreneur mindset.

My friend, Nido Qubein, president of High Point University in North Carolina and a fellow member of the National Speakers Association, told me it is all about your attitude. He explained that people who follow the worker mentality do not discern a clear connection between their own success and the success of the company.

“If the company’s performance is marginal, they are not overly concerned so long as they continue to draw paychecks and receive their annual increases,” Nido said. “They may attend to their own areas competently, but they do not worry about what happens outside their areas of responsibility.”

On the flip side, those who follow the entrepreneurial mentality see themselves as partners in prosperity with the company. They view the company’s ups and downs as their ups and downs and are looking for ways to contribute to the company’s profitability. They look for ways to make a difference.

“A company with a workforce full of entrepreneurs is almost sure to succeed, and the entrepreneurs will share in its success,” Nido believes. “Think like that, and you can share in the success wherever you are.”

An entrepreneurial mindset isn't just about starting a business; it's about recognizing opportunities, taking initiative, and driving positive change wherever you are.

November is National Entrepreneurship Month in the United States, a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs who serve their communities and bolster the American economy. The second week each November (Nov. 11-17 this year) is Global Entrepreneurship Week when we also recognize the American spirit of entrepreneurship abroad.

Having an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for several reasons:

Adaptability and resilience -- An entrepreneurial mindset fosters adaptability and resilience. Entrepreneurs are often faced with unexpected challenges and must pivot quickly to new strategies. This mindset helps individuals remain flexible and resilient in the face of adversity, ensuring they can navigate through tough times effectively.

Innovation and creativity -- Entrepreneurs are known for their innovative thinking and creativity. They constantly seek new solutions to problems and are not afraid to think outside the box. This approach can lead to groundbreaking ideas and improvements that drive progress and success. As Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, said, “The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.”

Proactive problem solving -- Entrepreneurs are proactive problem solvers. They anticipate potential issues and take action to address them before they become significant obstacles. This proactive approach can save time and resources and prevent crises.

Risk management -- While entrepreneurs are often seen as risk-takers, they are actually skilled at managing risk. They evaluate potential risks and rewards carefully and make informed decisions that balance both. This ability to manage risk effectively is essential for long-term success.

Leadership and vision -- An entrepreneurial mindset includes strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. Entrepreneurs inspire and motivate others, creating a shared sense of purpose and direction. This leadership quality is vital for building and sustaining successful teams and organizations.

Continuous learning and growth -- Entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. They seek out new knowledge and experiences to improve their skills and stay ahead of the competition. This commitment to continuous learning fosters personal and professional growth.

Economic impact -- Entrepreneurs drive economic growth by creating new businesses, generating jobs and fostering innovation. Their contributions can have a remarkably positive impact on local and global economies.

Entrepreneurs create because of fulfillment more than money. They believe in making things happen. They don’t wait for someone to tell them that it’s OK. Entrepreneurs often find a new way to do something.

They also succeed by finding solutions to problems. Entrepreneurs are like a firefighter who runs into a situation everyone else is trying to leave. They know what they are doing. They have a mission and a plan just like the firefighter. They know what caused the fire and how to put it out.

Above all, entrepreneurs have faith. They understand that looking on the dark side of any situation is fatal to a business. Optimism is the heart and soul of entrepreneurs.

Mackay's Moral: Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.

An old story involves a beautiful woman named Cornelia who was married to a famous Roman general. When the general was killed in battle, Cornelia had to sell most of her property and valuable possessions, just to live simply.

One day she said to her two young sons, “A friend is coming to dine today, and she is very rich. She will most certainly want to show us her jewels.”

When the visitor arrived, her fingers sparkled with rings and her arms glistened with gold bracelets. Chains of gold hung around her neck, and strands of pearls gleamed in her hair. The two boys wished their mother could have such beautiful things, as she was wearing a simple white robe, and her hands and arms were bare.

The rich woman said, “Tell me, Cornelia, is it true that you no longer have any jewels and that you had to sell them to live?”

Cornelia smiled and answered, “Not at all. I have jewels far more valuable than any you might purchase.”

“Then let me see them,” said the skeptical visitor.

Cornelia called her two sons to her side and said, “These are my jewels. Are they not more precious than any gems?”

Cornelia’s two sons grew up to become great statesmen in Rome. Their mother taught them a great lesson that day that they would never forget. She knew what was important.

November is National Children’s Month and a perfect time to reflect on our most precious jewels. Whether you are raising your own children or having an influence on young people, be aware that they are watching your every move.

Children bring a fresh, unfiltered perspective to the world around us. They see everything with new eyes, finding wonder and excitement in the simplest things that many adults take for granted. Their curiosity and imagination allow them to explore and learn in ways that adults often forget.

Children's natural inclination to ask questions and their unwillingness to accept the status quo can inspire creativity and innovation. They aren't confined by conventional thinking and are experts at pushing the envelope. This mindset is something adults can learn from to foster a more dynamic and open approach to life and work.

Children remind us of the joy and excitement that comes with discovery and learning. As my friend Jim Rohn suggested, adopting a childlike curiosity and enthusiasm can help us reach, learn and grow continuously, no matter what our age.

Raising children to be good people is one of the most significant and rewarding responsibilities a parent can undertake. It's about instilling values, morals and ethics that will guide them throughout their lives. Here are some key points to consider:

Foundation of character -- Values and morals form the bedrock of a person's character. Teaching children honesty, integrity, kindness and respect helps them become trustworthy and reliable individuals. Strong moral principles aid in making sound decisions, even in challenging situations. A person with strong values earns the trust and respect of others, which is crucial in both personal and professional relationships.

Balanced discipline -- Discipline is essential for teaching responsibility and self-control. However, it should be balanced with love and understanding to ensure children feel secure and valued. Providing emotional support helps children develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. It teaches them to manage their emotions healthily and constructively.

Role modeling -- Children often emulate their parents' behavior. Demonstrating ethical behavior, compassion and resilience in your actions sets a powerful example for them to follow.

Consistency -- Consistently upholding your values and principles reinforces their importance and helps children internalize them. The values and morals you instill in your children can be passed down through generations, creating a legacy of goodness and integrity.

Societal contribution -- Raising children to be good people contributes to a better society. Individuals with strong values are more likely to engage in positive actions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

What an investment in the future! The values and principles you instill today will shape the leaders, innovators and compassionate individuals of tomorrow.

Some days, I would like to be a kid again. I would thank my mom and dad for the example they set for me as well as the expectations they had for me. I wish every kid could be so lucky.

Mackay's Moral: Children teach us to see the world with wonder and curiosity. Embrace their perspective, and you'll find endless opportunities for growth and joy.