JUGHEADS
Youth Juggling Company, LLC
5905 Concord Avenue
Edina, MN 55424
jugheads@comcast.net
or 952.926.0896

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September 2007

“Reputation vs. Character”

I suppose one reason that some people are afraid of success is that it sets a precedent by which all future endeavors will be measured. That's a lousy reason to deliberately fail or cease trying, but still, it's understandable that success brings greater scrutiny and the possibility of missing similar heights in the future. Each time I write a newsletter or direct a Juggle Jam or lead a trip or event, I have a back-burner concern that my work won't live up to the reputation I've built over the years. However, I'm thankful for a quote I recently heard: "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are" (Dale Carnegie). Another good quote comes from William H. Davis: "Reputation is made in a moment; character is built in a lifetime."

The point is that JH doesn't exist for the "window dressing" of the mere reputation of me or Wendy or Scott or my Assistants or my Officers or the many established star Jugheads or faithful parent volunteers; JH exists for long-term character development of all involved. Ultimately, JH exists for the glory of God, and although I may shudder when attempting to continually meet or surpass past successes, I'm glad that I'm not the One in control and that this company serves a higher purpose than what may appear. Thanks for empowering another year of this character-cultivating company.