By Mike Larkins

In June of 1783, having been engaged in the Revolutionary War since 1775, George Washington distributed his now-famous "Circular to the States." He wrote:

"...I am now preparing to resign...and to return to that domestic retirement, which, it is well known, I left with the greatest reluctance, a Retirement, for which I have never ceased to sigh through a long and painful absence, and in which (remote from the noise and trouble of the World) I meditate to pass the remainder of life in a state of undisturbed repose..."

His much-desired and much-deserved retirement was not to last for long, however.  

He spent three brief years at home, and then reluctantly became a delegate for the 1787 Constitutional Convention.  

The United States Constitution was ratified in mid-1788. Shortly after, many people started pressuring Washington to take the office of President.

Accepting that post, he wrote,

"...would be the greatest sacrifice of my personal feelings and wishes that ever I have been called upon to make."

But, he later admitted, he could be persuaded by

"...the conviction that the partiality of my countrymen had made my services absolutely necessary, joined to a fear that my refusal might induce a belief that I preferred the conservation of my own reputation and private ease to the good of my country."

Of course, we know how the story ended. Washington did accept the presidency, where he served for two four-year terms.  

He died not long after retiring from the presidency, his ardent wish for a tranquil retirement never truly coming to pass.

The point is this: Despite his personal desires, Washington was bound by honor and duty to a cause. As he put it:

"Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected."

Though Washington's example is difficult to follow, the spirit of Max Living is the same spirit of duty felt and lived by Washington.

Whether or not Max Living makes the company money, we are bound by our code to deliver the value to our Associates.

We're bound to help people grow in every aspect of their lives, not just help them make money.

Max Living is about helping you make a difference. It's about giving back to the people who have given us so much.

It's about helping you improve your relationships. It's about helping you identify, live, and leave a legacy.  

It's about helping you discover and develop your unique abilities. It's about helping you maximize your health, wealth, and happiness.

We may have a long way to go to reach the stature of George Washington, but you can bet that we'll always do our best to live up to our code.