Do your actions reflect your words? It all comes down to whether or not you are credible and worthy of respect. Many people say something in order to be “politically correct,” but their actions give the opposite message.

I just think that your words should be a reflection of your actions. When you lay your head down each night, you deserve to feel good about both what you said and did that day.

Many years ago, I was selling my consulting services to a large bank. It just so happened that the bank president knew someone who knew me. After contacting our mutual acquaintance, the bank president hired me. I worked nine years for that bank.

Someday, you may also need the endorsement of someone.

Be trustworthy. It is the highest compliment you can ever receive!

If not today, when?

 

I believe, with all the uncertainties that lie ahead, the prudent decision is to try to be in as strong a cash position as possible.

The pandemic continues to wreak havoc in so many ways that we never thought could happen. Major companies are continuing to announce their bankruptcies. Many universities are in financial peril.

The restaurant sector is trying to adjust to the new realities with mixed results. Those that do survive will have to raise prices with fewer customers caused by social distancing. Because there are fewer restaurants, the biggest winners in all this are grocery stores.

Cities and states are losing money in an attempt to provide services to all those in need. Their only alternative to recoup will be to raise taxes.

All of these factors will result in higher costs to us.

If not today, when?

 

Not always easy! Especially with all the negative things coming at you in these times. So, what are you capable of doing to alleviate the stress and anxiety?

Well, I happen to believe in prayer. I also believe that you must focus on making healthy decisions for the sake of a healthy body.

That means some kind of regular exercise if, in your case, it only means walking. You also know which food and drink promote a healthy body and which don’t.

Finally, adequate sleep is a must because fatigue drags you down physically, mentally and emotionally.

The message is simple. You have to take care of yourself if you are going to have the strength to take care of all the issues out there.

Lastly, I wish you love!

If not today, when?

Yes, you must try something different every once in a while or you’ll get stale. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do something that scares you every day!”

I don’t agree. That seems a little extreme, but an adventure isn’t one if there are no surprises.

Our recent boat trip took us 100 miles up to the Thumb of Michigan. Even though the weather forecast was for smooth waters, the boat got tossed around on Lake Huron for two hours.

The ride back home on Saturday, however, was fantastic because we had the current pushing us along on a bright, sunny day. It took us 8 1/2 hours going against the current and 6 hours returning.

Like all adventures, there were things we liked and those that were a challenge.

The bottom line is that I feel refreshed and happy that we did it!

If not today, when?

I’ve been gone since Thursday. We took our boat about 100 miles north into the Thumb of Michigan. We’ve returned and the blogs will return tomorrow (Monday 7/27.)

Thanks, Tom

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” (Abraham Lincoln)

It’s the second day in a row that I’m quoting Abraham Lincoln. I don’t know how he found the time to leave all these great quotes behind while conducting the Civil War.

There is another famous saying, “Everything comes to those who wait.” I do believe that patience is a very desirable trait to develop in our personality, but it should not be a substitute for HUSTLE!

Our lifespan is a very fickle thing over which we have no control. If there is something you really want to achieve, don’t wait for the “right time.”

That time is now!

I have tried to accomplish many things in my 78 years. I have succeeded and I have failed.

No regrets!

If not today, when?

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”  (Abraham Lincoln)

Are you a business person? Are you a teacher? Are you a parent? Are you a maid? Are you a chef? Are you a waiter? Are you a garbage collector? Are you a doctor or nurse? Are you a truck driver? Are you a grocery store employee? Are you an invalid? Are you a farmer? Are you in law enforcement? Are you in fire prevention?

Regardless of your calling in life, we all need each other. It is the collection of all these roles in society that keep it going. And one is not more important than the other! They deserve our thanks and our respect.

Every Wednesday, when our garbage man comes, I tell him, “Thanks. What you do is important!”

Whatever you do, be a good one!

If not today, when?

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.”          (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Whose life is it anyway, yours or theirs? This is a basic question that each of us must answer for ourselves.

Are you a puppet and do you allow society to be the puppeteer?

Or, do you make a decision based upon a value system that you will not violate just because someone happens to criticize you for it?

I really believe when you look back over your life, your report card will not be determined by the mistakes you made along the way. We all make mistakes.

No, your grade will rest upon one issue: Were you true to yourself?

Begin now!

If not today, when?

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” (Michael Jordan)

Victory in any kind of game requires failure along the way. There are always hurdles that you will encounter in your struggles to accomplish something truly important to you.

Babe Ruth only got a hit 29% of his times at bat. So, he walked back to the dugout as a failure on 71% of his attempts.

If Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth often failed in their efforts, what excuse do you have for giving up on your pursuits? Yes, you will make mistakes and bad decisions along the way. We all do.

Don’t give up!

If not today, when?

I met her 20 months before our wedding. Hudson’s Department Store invited college students with a business major to come to Career Day to consider a career with the store upon graduation.

While on a guided tour of its headquarters, I noticed a girl in a red dress walking along.

I had never seen anyone so beautiful!

Luckily, the store provided lunch for all of us and I noticed the seat next to her was vacant. Her name was Nancy, but I didn’t hear her last name.

So, I departed the store without her last name or phone number. I remembered, however, that her dad was the chief  of police in a local town.

I called the police department and said I met Nancy and I needed her phone number. The dispatcher gave me her number and the love affair began!

Thank God!