Give Them Hell: The Mindset That Builds Legacies

https://youtu.be/kujQH4k2ycA

Overcoming Adversity: The Story of My Grandpa Leo McDonald

Leo McDonald was born in 1918 in a small town in Southern Indiana. As one of eight children, he faced a difficult upbringing with an abusive, alcoholic father. His childhood was marked by economic hardship, surviving through two world wars and the Great Depression. With no safety net, he dropped out of school in the eighth grade to work and support his family. He took on grueling jobs, from grocery store work to shoveling coal on the railroad and swinging a pickax in the gypsum mines. Yet, through every hardship, he carried a mindset that would define his life—one simple but powerful principle: “Give Them Hell.”

Taking Responsibility: The Power of a No-Excuses Mindset

My grandpa understood early on that no one was going to save him. His father wasn’t there to help, the government wasn’t offering aid, and his employers were indifferent. If he was going to change the trajectory of his life, it was up to him. This realization is one that many successful individuals share—taking full ownership of their lives.

In the modern world, we see this mindset reflected in self-made entrepreneurs like Howard Schultz, who grew up in public housing before building Starbucks into a global empire, or Oprah Winfrey, who overcame poverty and trauma to become a media mogul. Success isn’t given; it’s created through grit, persistence, and action.

Commitment to Excellence: Giving 100% in Every Area of Life

“Give Them Hell” wasn’t about aggression or recklessness; it was about relentless effort. My grandpa applied this principle to every aspect of his life. He worked tirelessly to teach himself the skills needed to become an electrician, eventually landing a job at General Motors, where he became one of their top electricians. He poured himself into his career, his family, and his faith, ensuring that he left nothing undone.

This level of commitment is evident in some of the greatest professionals today. Take Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who transitioned from failed football aspirations to becoming a wrestling champion and Hollywood’s highest-paid actor through sheer determination. The same principle applies in business, sports, and personal growth—giving your all ensures success, regardless of obstacles.

Creating a Legacy: The Ripple Effect of Hard Work and Determination

Because my grandpa lived by this philosophy, he built a strong family foundation. He was married for 50 years, raised five children, and instilled his values in multiple generations. His mindset didn’t just help him—it created a ripple effect, influencing those around him to work harder, aim higher, and never make excuses.

Companies like Apple and Amazon thrive because of founders who refused to accept mediocrity. Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos both faced failures, setbacks, and financial struggles, but their determination to “Give Them Hell” in their respective industries reshaped technology and commerce forever.

Applying the “Give Them Hell” Mindset in Your Own Life

So, how can we all adopt this mindset and apply it today? Consider these principles:

1. Eliminate Excuses: Stop waiting for someone else to fix your problems. Take action now.
2. Push Through Resistance: Challenges will always exist. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter what.
3. Work Harder Than Expected: Whether in your career, relationships, or personal goals, go above and beyond.
4. Lead by Example: Just as my grandpa influenced generations, your actions can inspire those around you.

Final Challenge: Will You “Give Them Hell”?

Living with this mindset doesn’t guarantee that life will be easy. It won’t eliminate hardships, failures, or struggles. But it will ensure that you live without regret, build meaningful relationships, and create opportunities instead of waiting for them. If you want to see how great you can be, if you want to maximize your potential, then the challenge is clear: Give Them Hell.

Reflection Questions:

• What personal excuses are holding you back from achieving your goals?
• How can you apply the “Give Them Hell” mindset to your work and personal life?
• What legacy do you want to leave behind for future generations?