I was thinking the other day about those individuals (chefs, restaurateurs, mentors, teachers, parents, friends) who have offered or lived advice that helped to mold the person I am. I may not always live up to their words of wisdom, but after all, I am still a work in progress. Each of us can look back and reflect on those who have and who continue to provide us with some guiding light. How we approach our work, the way that we interact with others, the type of leader we have become, and the person that others see is a product of those with whom we have associated and the lessons that we learned along the way. For what it’s worth – here are some of those guideposts that many have offered me throughout my life.

[]       Hold the door for the person behind you. This simple act of kindness and respect clearly demonstrates the type of person you are.

[]       Exercise your right and obligation to vote. The foundation of a democracy is that every vote counts. There are many countries in the world where this right is absent. Don’t take it for granted.

[]       Education is the key to future success. Knowledge is power, it is liberating, fun, inspiring, and refreshing to know and understand. Those who seek knowledge and work to develop skills are those who can face the storm with confidence.

[]       Respect others even if you don’t agree. Especially in a democracy, every person has a right to be who they are and believe what they believe. You may not agree, and they should not attempt to force you to change your stakes in the ground, but we can still respect them as a human being.

[]       Laughter cures a frown. To laugh is to feel whole, to sense the promise of a bright future, and to understand how to get through difficult situations. We don’t laugh enough, but we relish those times when we do.

[]       Sharing is a sign of caring. “This is mine” is a shallow sign of arrogance and demonstrates a lack of caring for others needs. What we know (with rare exception) should be viewed as public domain. We are all teachers and students in life who should be able to access what we are willing to cherish and protect. Share what you know.

[]       Work is the foundation of honor and self-worth. Finding one’s purpose is a quest that we all share, but no matter your purpose, no matter the task – giving effort, working hard at the task in front of you, and seeking to do so because no breath should be wasted, is our calling as members of society.

[]       Save money for a rainy day. Avoid unnecessary debt. No matter how little or large the sum, saving is a discipline that pays off in the long run. Living beyond your means because credit cards allow us to purchase without having the money to do so, is a slippery slope that will consume your every effort and every thought.

[]       Read and listen. Reading is a great adventure that can transport us to faraway places, experience unexpected adventures, meet unique people, and discover our true selves along the way. Listening to others without a need to take control of a conversation can do the same.

[]       Never step on others to get to your intended destination. No race is ever truly won by pushing others out of the way. No position is of value if winning it is at the expense of others.

[]       Treat others as you would like to be treated. Enough said.

[]       Make your bed, first thing. It sets the tone for the day. The pattern of accomplishment starts with very simple efforts. Step into each day knowing that you intend to accomplish things along the way.

[]       You drop it, you pick it up. Don’t ever relinquish your responsibility for your actions. Make the effort and your approach will eventually rub off on others.

[]       Sweat the details, it’s all details. The big challenges will require significant effort and likely collaboration with others. The small stuff adds up. Accomplish something in the moment – wash a window, sweep the steps, polish the railing, check your spelling, work on your penmanship, water your plants…. The small stuff shows the world that you are committed.

[]       It is far greater to give than to receive. Think about how you feel each time you present a gift to another, congratulate them for the work they do, or thank them for just being who they are. Think about how the recipient feels about your thoughtfulness.

[]       Pause before you respond. Action comes from deliberate thought regarding potential outcomes while reaction leads to mistakes, broken relationships, anger, retaliation, and confusion. Take a minute to think it through.

[]       Splurge occasionally, but don’t live beyond your means. It’s okay to stretch beyond what makes long-term sense, but quickly return to living within your ability to survive and even thrive.

[]       Integrity and character are the foundations of a good person. Being true to yourself, having stakes in the ground that will not be sacrificed, being honest and fair – these are the traits of a person determined to stand tall and do what is right in any moment.  

[]       Being a good person is far more important than being right. Don’t confuse being right with doing the right thing. Being right is a belief that you must win to feel whole. Doing the right thing considers the other person or persons impacted by your action or decision. Good people consider the impact on others.

[]       Excellence is a habit not a destination. You can’t be excellent at one thing and oblivious to how you approach others. If you seek to be excellent then apply those principles to everything you do.

[]       Excellence or mediocrity is your choice to make. Again, excellence is a habit but so is mediocrity. Once you allow mediocrity to slip into your norm, then mediocre is what you will become and how you will be perceived.

[]       We’re all dishwashers in God’s eyes. No one is above another person’s job. In a kitchen, cooks and chefs understand that they may be interchangeable, but the role of the dishwasher is so important that in their absence the operation falls apart.

[]       Know your stakes in the ground and don’t sacrifice them. What do you believe in? How important are these beliefs? Are you willing to ignore them for momentary gain? If so, then they are not true beliefs. Be true to your stakes in the ground.

[]       Be strong but always be kind. Never assume that kindness equates to weakness. Just the opposite – kind people who maintain strong standards are the leaders we want to follow.

[]       Remember those who helped you and others in life. Never discount the importance of those helping hands throughout your life. Hold them close and offer your thanks as frequently as possible.

[]       Let those who choose to think only of themselves to do so, by themselves. Selfishness exists and you may not be able to change that. Don’t let self-serving individuals steal your peace of mind. Cut them loose.

[]       Make more music and far less noise. Well thought-out words, the sounds of perfectly executed notes, well researched thoughts that call for expression are music to many ears, misspoken words, poorly executed thoughts, and expression without research are the noise that drive people away. Make more music.

PLAN BETTER – TRAIN HARDER

“Work Hard and be Kind” – Dick Cattani

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