Company Blog

Good Thoughts

by Adam Zack — August 13, 2025

“…especially in business—“well-intentioned” doesn’t pay the bills..”

I heard someone say today, “It’s the thought that counts.” And my first reaction? Nope. It’s the result that counts. I can think all day about you being happy, successful, or winning the lottery—but unless my “thoughts” come with a winning ticket or at least a bottle of wine, you’re still stuck with reality. Curious, I looked into the phrase’s origins. Turns out it’s not just a throwaway line—it’s a bona fide proverb, attributed to Henry van Dyke, Jr., a professor, ambassador, and clergyman back in the late 1800s. Fun fact: Henry was friends with Helen Keller and officiated Mark Twain’s funeral. That’s some pretty heavy company. The original proverb goes, “It’s not the gift, it’s the thought that counts,” meaning that when someone gives you the wrong-size sweater, you should focus on the fact they cared enough to give you anything—rather than the fact you’re now making a return trip to the store and you hate wearing sweaters. And yes, it is a nice reminder, but in today’s world—and especially in business—“well-intentioned” doesn’t pay the bills. In our grocery stores, cleanliness, quality, innovation and customer service don’t just need good thoughts; they need successful outcomes. The thought has to cross the finish line. Otherwise, it’s just a mental participation trophy. Think about it.