How can 5 little things make all the difference? Starting right now, there are 5 things you can do that will change not only your world, but improve the world of the people around you too.

Drum roll…. Be punctual. Use respectful words.  Make your time quality time. Live with integrity. Put people first. There you go. Article done. Isn’t your life better now? Wait, you’re still reading? Well cool! Let’s talk all about better ways to do these 5 things, and all about why you really want to do them!

1

Punctuality is a demonstration of respect. It is respect for yourself and respect for others. “Research shows that punctuality is not only a sign of respect, it is a sign of trustworthiness.” – Jennifer Cohen, Forbes Magazine. Punctuality shows you can be counted on, that you are capable, that you have self-discipline. Those qualities can make or break relationships, and it can certainly make or break a business.

1. Start with deciding to be punctual.
2. Track how long tasks take.
3.  Use a timer and alarms.
4. Be prepared to be on time. (*This one is critical!)
5. Give yourself a time cushion.
6. Be prepared to wait. (Be prepared so that waiting time isn’t wasted time.)

2

What you say has more powerful effects than we can comprehend.

“Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.” -Yehuda Berg

There is so much power in a word, that the Bible describes the creation of the earth like this; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…” (John 1:1-14) Do you use your words as if they have the power to create big things? If not, you have a whole new world of possibilities just waiting for you. Use your words with great care and intention. People will respect what you say more. You will respect yourself more. Your power to accomplish and to influence others will grow.

3

Is your time “quality?” I have a friend who answers phone calls and texts the moment they arrive, even in the middle of deep conversations, or in the middle of important or urgent activities. Every time she picks up that phone, it’s as if she is saying: “Who I’m with right now is not as important as this phone call.” And “What I’m doing right now doesn’t matter that much, the texting is more important.” She probably has no idea that’s what she is communicating by her actions. Are you aware of the quality (or lack) in the time you spend?

“Short periods of intense effort, like interval training in exercise, can trick your mind into accomplishing more.” –Tauscha Johanson

Show people you value them and yourself by using the moment where you are to be fully present. Minimize distractions to emergency-only. Look people in the eye when you talk. Deeply listen to what others have to say. When you work, give it everything you’ve got. Make every moment where you focus, quality for that space in time.

4

Integrity is so old fashioned it never goes out of style. Integrity is so important it affects everything about you, like how others perceive you, and even how you feel about yourself.

“Having honesty and integrity in the workplace is one of the most important qualities of great leadership in business.” –Brian Tracy, Entrepreneur Magazine

“There are no moral shortcuts in the game of business or life,” John Huntsman writes in his book Winners Never Cheat. “There are, basically, three kinds of people, the unsuccessful, the temporarily successful, and those who become and remain successful. The difference is character.”

People with integrity give and keep their promises. They aren’t afraid of the truth, and they are courageous, making them true leaders. Do you have the integrity you need to have, to be the leader you want to be?

5

“People First” isn’t a mantra, it’s a way of life. It will earn you intense loyalty.

“We had a service tech that was with us for 50 years (that’s right 50 years!). He was OK on repairing the equipment (maybe a 6 on a scale of 1–10) but on handling the customer he was a 12. As a result, he was the service tech the customers would wait for the longest, sometimes 2–3 months,” writes Butch Welsh, a small business owner.

“How did he do it?” Butch continues, “He kept a notebook with notes about his customers’ families so he could ask about “Susie in college” or “How the new grandbaby was doing.” He carried dog biscuits every day for those customers whose most prized possession is their dog.”

Put people first; ahead of money, rank or title, or any other random arbitrary finish line. Doing this puts everyone in a win-win situation, because they are happier, and ultimately you will be happier too.

“How do you serve humanity?” –Rabbi Daniel Lapin

“I LOVE that quote by Rabbi Lapin! It forces you to be conscious about how you use every moment of your time. Do you show up to work on time? Do you speak words of encouragement to your spouse? Do you spend quality time with your children? Do you work your business even when you don’t feel like it? Do you give the best to whatever task you’re completing? That is how you serve humanity. That is what every business owner needs to remember.

“You are here to serve, not yourself, but someone else. How can you give them an experience that will have them coming back for more of whatever you have? It’s the little things that keep them coming back for more.” – Golda Smith

Can you be on time?  Can you speak and write with greater care and meaning? Can you increase the quality of your time? Can you decide now to live with more integrity? Can you put people’s needs first? Yes, you can. So can I. I promise to do better and be better at these things too. Let’s do this together!