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This Thursday, February 12, is Lincoln's Birthday.

We all know the highlights: The Top Hat. The Beard. The Penny. The Gettysburg Address.

But we often forget the most important part of Abraham Lincoln’s story: He lost. A lot.

Before he became the 16th President and saved the Union, Lincoln was the king of the "fail forward" method.

• 1832: Lost his job.

• 1832: Defeated for State Legislature.

• 1833: Failed in business (and went into massive debt).

• 1856: Defeated for Vice President.

• 1858: Defeated for Senate.

If you are having a tough week, remember: Lincoln lost eight elections before he became the most impactful leader in American history.

This Thursday, we are celebrating resilience (and his excellent taste in hats).

Here is how to honor the man on the penny.

The Fun Fact: The Original "Filing Cabinet"

You know the iconic Stovepipe Hat? It wasn't just a fashion statement to make him look taller (though at 6'4", he hardly needed help).

Lincoln actually used his hat as a briefcase.

He was known to store important letters, legal briefs, and even his banking book inside the hatband. If he needed to check a note during a speech, he would literally pull it out of his hat.

• The Lesson: Functional fashion is timeless.

The Read: Leadership 101

If you want to understand how Lincoln managed a team of people who hated each other, you need to read the definitive book on his leadership style.

• The Book: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

• The Vibe: It sounds heavy, but it reads like a political thriller. It explains how Lincoln brought his worst enemies into his cabinet and turned them into his strongest allies. It is a masterclass for anyone who manages people.
  Shop "Team of Rivals" on Amazon

The Challenge: The "Lucky Penny" Hunt

We walk past pennies on the sidewalk every day.

On Thursday, if you see a penny heads up, pick it up.

But here is the twist: Don't keep it.

Lincoln was known for his extreme generosity. If you find a penny, give it to a kid, or toss it into a donation jar. Keep the luck moving.

The Quote to Keep You Going

Lincoln had a way with words that hits just as hard in 2026 as it did in 1865.

Post this on your desk this Thursday:

"I am a slow walker, but I never walk back."

Keep Walking.

Thursday is almost over. The weekend is in sight.

If Abe could handle the Civil War, you can handle that 2:00 PM Zoom meeting.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President.

Show Us Your "Top Hat" Moment

Have you ever turned a failure into a success? We want to hear your "Comeback Story."

Share it in the comments or tag us on TikTok and Instagram at @OnManyOccasions.

Are You Ready for Valentine's Day?

It is only two days away (Saturday, Feb 14)!

Do you have your gifts and dinner plans sorted?

If not, don't panic—download our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar for last-minute ideas.