Things to Remember

Now that I am one, I am allowed to say, “Don’t mess with me just because I’m old.” Another joke has to do with being wiser, meaner and over insured. The truth of the matter is the reason we grow old is to share the knowledge and the lessons we have learned. We share our experiences with those younger, in hopes that they will not need the same trials and tribulations which we have encountered. And at the same time, we understand there are some lessons each person must just learn on their own.

I know we get deluged by ideas, thoughts, and rules to live by every day. And yet there are some truths which bear repeating. I would like to share those rules with you, at least some of them. It is essential to keep some things in mind to use as mental tools during your journey.

Rules to the Future:

• You do not have to say yes to everything. And, you should not say no to everything either. Take a moment to weigh what is being asked of you. Is there a moment in the request where you can see yourself doing something or meeting someone that will help propel you along your path to your desired future? Also, ask yourself, do I have the time and tools to do this task correctly, or is this something where I will be funneled into failure.
• Always know that middle-management must be given due respect and kindness, yet they are rarely the movers and shakers that make things work. The real movers and shakers are those on the floor doing the work. If an executive is locked in the office all day how can that executive no more than someone who comes in contact with the majority of people within the plant? You may be surprised how much a friendly janitorial staff member or the guy from the mail room actually knows.
• Never treat somebody differently (either better or worse) because of their job title or station within the company. Treat everyone with kindness and good thoughts. You will find this much more enjoyable, and your work will be better.
• If you are going to hold anyone to account, you have to start with the person in the mirror. To not act on this with yourself first, and then have a radiating effect on others, will never give you the best outcome.
• If you work with the betterment of others in mind, you will find yourself being seen more and more in a positive light.
• Never, ever make or keep an assumption that something will last forever. In our world, there are beginnings and endings to just about everything. To assume the job, the house, family, the car, or anything else will be as it is now forever, could leave you dismayed at some point. Treasure what you have, understand that things do change, and know with a little hope and work they might change for the better.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for being with me today, I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof