Millions of words exist on how to make it in life.
by Greg Hague
Chubby taught it in few. Here are two: Chit Capital
This is about that.
In 1962, I wanted to start my first business. I was 14. I needed 75 bucks to buy a lawn mower. I was going to cut grass.
My plan? Door to door with a flyer. “I Cut Grass. Good. Cheap. Greg.” When I asked Dad to loan me the $75, he asked why. I expected that. I told him my plan…the flyer, “I Cut Grass. Good. Cheap. Greg.”
Chubby thought for less than a minute. He pulled out his money clip and counted out 75 bucks. He spread it on the table and walked away.
What was going on? This was not what I expected.
Dad had always talked to me about “quid pro quo”, a “this” for a “that”. The weekly allowance was the quid pro quo for doing my chores. Want a quarter for the Ice Cream Truck? Sweep off the driveway.
Perplexed, I went running after Dad.
“Hey Dad,” I said, “What’s the quid pro quo for the 75 bucks?”
“It’s Chit Capital,” he said, as he continued to walk.
“What’s Chit Capital,” I asked?
“Greg, a chit is when you do nice, but don’t ask for nice back. When you do lots of nice you build Chit Capital.”
Right off the bat, I could see the problem with that. “Dad,” I said (thinking quickly), “How will I know when I’ve paid enough nice back?” He said, “You won’t.”
Dad turned, smiled and walked away. Worst deal I had ever made. An undefined burden. Chubby had outsmarted me for years. He just did it again.
OK. One mistake. Chalk it to inexperience. I was only 14. But Dad had taught me to learn from my mistakes. What did I do? I bought a little red book. I called it my Chit Diary.
I started doing nice for everyone, and writing it down. Just like Dad. I was going to build up lots of Chit Capital. My sister, Linda, said she’d “never do nice back.” That got me thinking. Would people remember? Would I get paid back? I didn’t see anyone noting anything in an “I owe Greg” diary.
So, I asked Chubby about that. Here’s what he said;
“Greg, you’re thinking about it the wrong way. When you’re paid back, you lose. That chit comes off your list. You go backwards.”
Dad was so smart. Do lots of nice. Ask nothing back. Hope they forget.
Chit Capital. A smart move in life.
Thanks Dad.