Depending on how old you’re kids are right now, you might know the going rate for a tooth. Not a “first tooth,” but any old tooth that falls out of a young child’s mouth has value if the Tooth Fairy is a regular visitor in your family traditions. I’m guessing we got a dollar for our first tooth and probably a quarter for all the ones after that.
These days, I’ll be the first tooth will score some kids a crisp $5, $10, or $20 dollar bill while others might be able to trade their chicklets for some bitcoin or Amazon stock if their parents are so inclined.
You see, today (February 28th) is National Tooth Fairy Day across the country. Children everywhere put their newly lost teeth under their pillows and fall asleep in hoes that The Tooth Fairy will visit and exchange the tooth for a gift or a monetary value. By some estimates, almost $700 million dollars is placed under pillows every year.
Our kids were excited for their own private tooth fairies to deliver the goods each time they lost a tooth when they were younger. Our daughter Riley, had Lilac as her special ” spirit” that watched over her dental deposits during her youth. Lilac was known for leaving Riley notes on pink stationery and her handwriting was mysteriously similar to my wife’s penmanship.
When Ryan started losing teeth, Riley was very adamant that Lilac wouldn’t want Ryan’s teeth so we had to scramble and invent a new Tooth Fairy. The night Ryan lost his first tooth, he excitedly placed his tooth under his pillow and fell asleep, hoping and praying that when he awoke there would be money and a note from his new dental liaison. Luckily, Lilac had a little brother named SnapDragon who had a wicked sense of humor, blue stationery, and very similar handwriting to his father.
So what does the Tooth Fairy have to do with success in sales, leadership, or life? It’s all about believing in what you want to happen.
Little kids are great at believing in things; The Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, The Tooth Fairy, and their goldfish wanted to go back to the ocean and the quickest way was being flushed down the toilet when they were at school. Then for some reason – maybe it’s peer pressure or simply being able to “see the man behind the curtain,” – belief turns to reality or, in some cases, cynicism.
As adults, we throw the idea of belief out and instead, trust the systems, science, or “see it with our own eyes” proof to make things seem as they appear.
Cut to the chase!
Just the facts!
It is what it is!
I’m not trying to be Pollyanna here and say there’s a Mortgage Fairy who will leave next month’s mortgage debt under your pillow or a Marriage Counselor that will magically sprinkle “happy dust” over the bed at night to make sure that there are no fights or arguments between couples. What I am saying is life seems to be a little easier to navigate when you have a strong sense of belief…and that starts with believing in yourself.
It’s amazing what a positive outlook, good attitude, and simply believing can do for people.
Half-full?
Partly sunny?
You can do it!
Remember, what you do matters. People value you. They value your service, your insights, your guidance, and your advice.
You better believe that your friendships, partnerships, relationships, and leadership don’t go unnoticed.
You might not ever see the Tooth Fairy, but even if you don’t have any loose teeth, don’t stop believin’ now.