Hype up the people who you care about most

Certain Republican politicians were considered presidential in the 1880s, and Chester Arthur was not one of them.

For example, Chester once held the powerful role overseeing U.S. import duties, but savvy New York Senator Roscoe Conkling essentially treated him like a marionette.

It therefore came as no surprise when the national media howled at the prospect of an Arthur Presidency (he served as VP when James Garfield was tragically assassinated):

• "About the last man who would be considered eligible" for the job. (NYT)

• "A pending calamity of the utmost magnitude." (Chicago Tribune)

• "Chet Arthur President of the United States! Good God!" (His close friend!)

As Chester secluded himself in New York City, anxious about the job that would soon call his name, a 31-year-old stranger named Julia Sands started writing him letters after sensing both his promise and a lack of confidence:

• "Great emergencies awaken generous traits which have lain dormant half a life. If there is a spark of true nobility in you, now is the occasion to let it shine. Reform!"

• "It is for you to choose whether your record shall be written in black or gold. For the sake of your country, for your own sake, and for the sakes of all who have ever loved you, let it be pure and bright."

Julia would continue to hype up Chester after he became President:

• She commended him when he signed the nation’s first civil service reform, which required prospective government employees to pass a challenging exam before gaining employment. Previously, people with party affiliation would simply hang around the White House to ask for jobs!

• She also implored that he do better after signing the Chinese Exclusion Act, which halted Chinese immigration (among other racist restrictions): “Why do you not do what you do with your whole soul - or have you only half of one?"

Some historians believe her letters lit a spark in him, ultimately making a huge difference in his life and presidency.

“No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted as Chester Alan Arthur, and no one ever retired … more generally respected, alike by political friend and foe,” wrote politician and newspaper editor Alexander McClure.

Julia Sands inspired me to think about what good I could do by hyping up the people who I care about most.

Who’s staring down a lofty goal and would benefit from a pump-up speech?

Who hasn’t clarified their goals yet and could use some encouragement to get moving?

I also recognize that it’s hard to build a durable habit where my loved ones and I consistently hype each other up.

To solve this issue (*reads Twitter threads on optimizing one's life until a migraine hits*), I've invited my pals in Atlanta to get together for breakfast monthly.

Same time, same place. Shoot the breeze, share some goals, and hype up one another.

We should all act like Julia and hype up the people who we care about most.

Sources 

• Overlooked No More: Julia Sand, Whose Letters Inspired a President (NYT)

• Destiny of the Republic (Candice Millard) --> highly recommend