One day, a teacher told her students to bring a bag of potatoes to school. She said each potato should be given the name of a person the child hated. The more people the child hated, the more potatoes in his or her bag. Some bags had just one or two potatoes, while other bags were almost full. The teacher then told her students they had to carry their bags with them everywhere they went for a full week.

After a while, the students started to complain. The bags were heavy and awkward to carry, plus the potatoes were starting to smell bad. They couldn’t run or play games because they had to carry their sacks everywhere.

Finally, the teacher told her students they could put their sacks down. Then she told them the meaning of the assignment: “This is what happens when you carry hate for another person in your heart. You carry it everywhere, and it weighs you down. The stench grows worse every day. The more hatred you carry, the heavier your burden. In the end, you can choose to set it down and be free.”

This story is particularly appropriate for our times, as we see so much hatred and anger all around us. Hate blocks clarity, clouding our judgment and causing us to be more impulsive and aggressive. Anger can lead to unacceptable actions that we immediately regret. Rather than enabling us to see possible solutions, we become so entrenched in our own position that we become irrational.

In my view, hate is a destructive force that we should strive to let go of, replacing it with understanding and positive perspectives. Just as hate can be taught, so can love, and it's important to focus on fostering flexibility of mind and body to counteract the negative effects of hatred.

Most of us have experienced feelings of hatred at one time or another. If you have wronged someone, you should make amends or at least apologize.

Disarming hate in the workplace requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Here are some steps you can consider:

Foster open communication -- Create a safe space for employees to express their concerns and feelings. Regular team meetings or one-on-one check-ins can be effective. Pay attention to what is being said and show empathy. People just need to feel heard.

Lead by example -- Demonstrate the behavior you wish to see in others. Treat everyone with respect and kindness. When you notice negative behavior, address it immediately. Ignoring it can lead to escalation.

Implement clear policies and ensure accountability -- Make sure there are clear policies in place regarding acceptable behavior and the consequences of hate or discrimination. Hold individuals accountable for their actions. Consistent enforcement of policies is crucial.

Focus on solutions -- If conflicts persist, consider bringing in a mediator to facilitate a resolution. Encourage all parties to work toward a common goal and find a way forward.

Here’s a final story to illustrate my point. In a small village, two neighboring families had been feuding for generations. The source of their animosity was long forgotten, but the hatred persisted, affecting everyone in the community.

One day, a wise elder visited the village and gathered both families together. He proposed a challenge: “Build a bridge over the river that divides your lands. Work together, and you will find peace.”

Reluctantly, the families agreed. As they worked side by side, they began to talk, share stories and learn about each other's lives. Slowly, the barriers of hate began to crumble, replaced by understanding and friendship.

When the bridge was finally completed, it stood not just as a physical structure but as a symbol of their newfound unity. The families realized that the effort to understand one another had transformed their hearts, and the feud was forgotten.

Mackay’s Moral: Building bridges of understanding can transform hostility into harmony, creating pathways to peace and friendship.

He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.)

I am a Charles Schulz superfan, and for more reasons than the fact we both graduated from good old Central High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. I often quote the “Peanuts” cartoon strip in this column, because in addition to being a gifted cartoonist, Schulz was a deep thinker.

The following quiz is based on Schulz’s philosophy:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4. Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for best actor or actress.

How did you do? The point is few of us remember the superstars of yesterday. Applause fades, awards tarnish and achievements are forgotten.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who helped you in school.

2. Name three friends who supported you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who taught you something.

4. Who is one person that made you feel appreciated and special?

5. Picture five people you enjoy spending time with.

Isn’t that easier? The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are the ones who give the most.

Never underestimate the importance of people in your life. And always look for opportunities to improve your relationships, no matter how good they already are.

Understanding the importance of people in both personal and professional contexts is crucial for a fulfilling and successful life.

People play a vital role in our personal lives by providing emotional support. Family and friends provide a support system that helps us navigate life's ups and downs. They offer love, understanding and encouragement.

People in our lives enrich our experiences by sharing in our joys and sorrows. These shared moments create lasting memories and deepen relationships.

Close relationships also challenge us to grow and become better people. They provide feedback, inspire change and help us develop empathy and compassion.

Finally, being part of a community or family gives us a sense of belonging and identity, which helps us feel connected and valued.

On the professional side, collaboration and teamwork are essential for achieving common goals. Diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.

Building professional relationships opens doors to new opportunities, career advancement and knowledge sharing. Networking can lead to mentorship and partnerships.

Colleagues and mentors can provide guidance, support and motivation, helping us overcome challenges and stay focused on our career objectives. The people we work with shape the culture of our organizations. A positive, inclusive culture fosters engagement, productivity and job satisfaction.

People are the cornerstone of our success and happiness. They provide support, challenge us to grow and enrich our lives in countless ways.

One of the most impactful people in my life was my University of Minnesota history professor and academic adviser, Harold Deutsch. He not only taught history, he lived it. He was the leading historian and interpreter at the Nuremberg Trials. Professor Deutsch taught me valuable life lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.

He had a unique way of making history come alive, which sparked my interest and curiosity. But beyond the subject matter, he instilled in me the importance of critical thinking and the value of understanding different perspectives. His guidance helped shape my approach to business and life, encouraging me to always seek knowledge and remain open to learning from others.

Another significant influence was my golf coach at the University of Minnesota, Les Bolstad. Coach Bolstad taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations. His mentorship extended beyond the golf course, impacting my approach to business challenges and personal growth.

One person who made me feel appreciated and special was my high school English teacher, Ms. Malmon. She went out of her way to nurture the unique qualities in each of her students. Ms. Malmon recognized my passion for writing and encouraged me to explore it further. Her feedback was always constructive and positive, which helped me build confidence in my abilities.

These mentors not only shared their expertise but also provided encouragement and support, helping me become the person I am today.

Mackay's Moral: The quality of your life is greatly influenced by the quality of your relationships -- nurture them, and they will nurture you.

He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.)

A farmer went to his neighboring farmer’s home in hopes that he might borrow a rope.

“I must regretfully refuse you this simple favor,” said the neighbor. “I am using the rope to tie up my milk.”

“But surely milk cannot be tied up with a rope?” replied the would-be borrower.

“You’re right,” the refuser said. “But when one does not want to do a thing, one reason is as good as another.”

The world of excuses is vast and varied! Some of the more common excuses that people use include: “I don't have enough time.” “I'm too tired.” “I don't know how.” “It's too difficult.” “I don't have the resources.” “I'll do it later.” “It's not my fault.” “I'm not ready.”

Although we may chuckle at the feeble attempts people make to cover their tracks and explain away their shortcomings, one thing remains true: People continue to make excuses a ceremonious ritual.

Author Glen Van Ekeren calls these people “excusiologists” and lists three types of excuses. “The first type is outright denial -- refusing to admit any association, involvement or wrongdoing.” His second is scapegoating -- finding someone else to blame.

“Finally, we have the ‘I did it, but ...’ approach,” he said. “‘But’ is the important word here. Excusiologists resorting to this popular antic admit to wrongdoing, but then every circumstance in life becomes fair game to be blamed for the error.”

National No Excuses Day is celebrated on Sept. 27 and calls us to forget about making excuses for at least one day. The holiday was established by the Canadian organization SCENE with one goal: to remind people to enjoy life.

I believe that people who make excuses are often missing opportunities for growth and improvement. While it's natural to want to protect ourselves from criticism or discomfort, making excuses can prevent us from taking responsibility and learning from our experiences. In both personal and professional settings, it's important to focus on solutions and accountability rather than shifting blame or avoiding challenges.

By addressing the root causes of issues and taking proactive steps to overcome them, individuals can build stronger relationships, enhance their credibility and achieve greater success.

The key is to replace excuses with action. Acknowledge challenges, take responsibility and focus on finding solutions. This approach not only builds character but also fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Avoiding excuses begins with a mindset shift and a commitment to personal accountability. Here are some strategies to help you steer clear of making excuses:

Self-awareness -- Recognize when you're about to make an excuse. This requires honesty with yourself about your motivations and limitations.

Set clear goals -- Having specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals can help you focus on what you need to accomplish and reduce the temptation to make excuses.

Prioritize tasks -- Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes them less daunting and reduces the likelihood of procrastination.

Embrace challenges -- View challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. This mindset encourages problem-solving rather than excuse-making.

Seek solutions -- When faced with a barrier, focus on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the problem. This proactive approach helps you move forward.

Learn continuously -- Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to overcome challenges. This reduces the likelihood of using ignorance as an excuse.

Accept responsibility -- Own your actions and their outcomes. Taking responsibility builds trust and credibility with others.

Reflect and adjust -- Regularly assess your progress and adjust your strategies as needed. This helps you stay on track and avoid excuses.

By adopting these strategies, you can build a habit of accountability and action, leading to greater personal and professional success.

How about the student who came home with four F’s and one D on his report card? Before his father could get angry, the little boy blurted out, “I know, Dad. I’ve been spending far too much time on that one subject.”

Mackay's Moral: The day you stop making excuses is the day you move up in the world.

He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.)