The birth of our nation and bringing the vision of American exceptionalism to life was one of pain and struggle. David McCullough frames it well: “The year 1776, celebrated as the birth year of the nation and for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was for those who carried the fight for independence forward a year of all-too-few victories, of sustained suffering, disease, hunger, desertion, cowardice, disillusionment, defeat, terrible discouragement, and fear, as they would never forget, but also of phenomenal courage and bedrock devotion to country, and that, too they would never forget.” 

The liberties we enjoy today originated from devotion, sacrifice, resilience, discipline and the willingness to take on the heavy lifting required to be free. The continuation of the American experiment requires that each subsequent generation accepts the responsibility and to offer similar sacrifices as those who have passed the torch. 

Two forces must be put into motion to develop leadership capable of taking our beloved nation forward with confidence, determination, justice and honor. First, we the senior generation of American citizens must dedicate ourselves to mentoring, coaching and advising the next generation.

Secondly, the rising generations must dedicate themselves to the foundations upon which our society has been constructed.

As we prepare the next generation of leaders, this much is assured — it will not be convenient work. Rather, it will demand much in the currency of hard work, tough love, struggle, sacrifice and service.

William Danforth, the founder of Ralston Purina Company, was devoted to the development of the rising generation of leaders. In 1931, he penned a challenge in the form of a book titled I Dare You! 

Danforth believed a quality life is constructed by the development of the following habits in service to others. Danforth boldly dared others to adventure, do things, be strong, think creatively, develop a magnetic personality, build character, share and launch out into the deep. In service to his vision, allow me to begin the conversation with those generations who will soon take the helm and who are just beginning their journey into adulthood.  

Develop your mental, physical, social and spiritual capability — all required to live fully!

Become an engaged and productive citizen — build your character and skills so that you contribute to growing opportunities for yourself and others!  

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty; learn to savor work and the expenditure of effort in the pursuit of noble objectives!

Prepare for difficult challenges by taking on demanding goals, let go of convenience and the desire for instant gratification; instead pursue resilience, endurance, grit and steadfastness. Become a “go the extra mile” person!

• Develop an attitude of abundance, train your mind to see problems not as obstacles but opportunities, fuel your curiosity, and listen to other perspectives to enhance your understanding.
• Widen your network and connections, but do so in person. Reallocate your time to at least 75% in-person engagement and no more than 25% virtualization.  
• Seek the truth, and accept the trials. Great adventures, discoveries and lives are not lived on the sidelines; but rather by getting in the boat, losing sight of the comfortable shore, and embracing the challenges that are sure to come.
• Serve with a willing heart in such a way as to improve your community and remember the leader is not playing the blame game.  

Ultimately, the American dream and the continuation of our cherished ideals depend on strengthening our collective will, deepening our desire to make positive contributions, and to set aside petty differences to build a nation. The founders were clear; the protection of liberty was not a gift to be passed, but rather an abiding responsibility.  

Will we do our part? 

Editor’s note: Tom Field is a rancher from Parlin, Colo., and the director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.