Episode 258- The Legacy of Dr. Charlie Cartwright: Seeds of Greatness and a Life Well-Lived

"Don't get through it, get from it."

 

That is the mantra of the Personal Mastery Training podcast, but in this specific episode, the Alliance—Alvin and Raymond—faced a challenge that was difficult to simply "get through."

 

On November 8th, the Alliance lost a dear member, Dr. Charlie Cartwright, after a battle with cancer and a stroke. Life is not a storybook; the hero doesn't always ride off into the sunset. However, as Alvin and Raymond discussed, while we cannot control the unpredictability of life, we can control the legacy we leave behind.

This post is dedicated to the wisdom of Dr. Charlie Cartwright. It is a dissection of a life lived with relentless passion, humility, and a desire to make the world better.

Life is Not Linear

 

One of the most profound lessons Charlie embodied was that your starting point does not dictate your ending point.

 

When Alvin first met Charlie, he saw a polished, successful speaker. But behind the suit was a history of grit. Charlie put himself through four years of chiropractic school while raising children. There were times when Charlie struggled so much he was dragging a lawnmower up the street to cut lawns just to make ends meet. He wore suits from Value Village. He had three breakfast bars in his pocket at high-end summits. But he never let his current circumstances define his potential.

 

As Raymond noted, "Life is not linear." You might go from point A to B, then back to D, then over to C. What matters is that you are relentless about your vision. Charlie burned his ships and took massive leaps of faith—leaving secure jobs to pursue his dream of speaking—because he refused to settle.

4 Wisdoms from Dr. Charlie

Throughout years of Sunday conversations, Dr. Charlie shared insights that Alvin and Raymond have carried with them. Here are four pillars of his philosophy:

1. The Seeds of Greatness

Charlie often used the metaphor that we all walk around with "seeds of greatness" in our pockets. But a seed in your pocket does nothing. It has to be taken out, planted, watered, and nurtured.

Potential means nothing unless it is used. Charlie didn't just plant seeds; he planted his flag. He built his house upon his potential and committed to seeing it through. The question he leaves us with is: What are you doing with the seeds in your pocket?

2. The Disney Standard

Charlie lived by a quote from Walt Disney:

 

"Do what you do so well that they want to see it again and bring their friends."

Whether you are a writer, a leader, a parent, or a friend, the goal is to execute with such excellence and passion that people cannot help but share your work with others. True success is when your impact is so undeniable that people want to bring others into your orbit.

3. The Power of the Present

We spend so much time anxious about the future or regretting the past. Charlie reminded us:

 

"The present is the only place life ever happens. Yet it's the place we visit the least."

Anxiety lives in the anticipation of the future; guilt lives in the past. Peace lives in the now. The fact that you are reading this means you have time, you have breath, and you have opportunity. Honor the present moment.

4. Labels Fracture Opportunities

In a world obsessed with survival, we instantly judge people to determine if they are "safe." We label based on race, job, culture, and appearance.

Charlie taught that "The labels we place on other people fracture opportunities." When you label someone, you put them in a box. In doing so, you might miss meeting someone amazing—someone who could change your life, or someone whose life you could change.

Dig Deeper: A Final Lesson on Friendship

Raymond shared a touching realization from the suddenness of Charlie's passing. One Sunday Charlie wasn't on the call, and the next, he was gone. There was no chance to say goodbye.

This reality brings a sharp focus to our relationships. We often keep friendships passive. We assume there will be time next week.

 

The takeaway? Dig deeper.

• Ask the extra question.
• Don't settle for "I'm fine."
• Cross the bridge and meet people where they are.
• "Curiosity is a prerequisite to friendship."

Making an Impact

 

Dr. Charlie Cartwright’s life was cut short, but his impact was not. He left the room better than he found it. He did his work so well that we are still talking about it, and we are bringing our friends to hear it.

As we move forward, let's honor his legacy by applying his wisdom. Plant your seeds. Remove the labels. Live in the present.

 

Rest in Peace, Dr. Charlie.