BUSINESS: TAKE A LITTLE TIME EACH DAY TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK

A next-door-neighbor of mine when I was growing up was an elderly man who sat on his screened porch and offered up wise advice to any youngster who wanted to hear it. I liked going over there. He talked to me as though I were an adult in that he offered good advice on being a good person—of any age. He was popular with neighbors, and when his wife passed away, there was no shortage of people stopping in and trying to help him through his loss.

I think back on that neighbor, and have throughout my adult life. I believe he instilled something in me that drove me to lead the kind of life I now lead. I stop when I hear an ambulance or siren and send out good thoughts that everything will work out. I do this without thinking as he suggested. It comes natural. I visit old school teachers that made a difference in my life whenever I can and I let them know they had an influence. I take time out to visit with my parents as count my blessings everyday that I still have them and that they are the type of loving parents they are. And I allow my children to be who they need to be—their own person—without judging them. I carried all those things away with me from that neighbor. And I will forever be grateful for those teachings.

In business, I have made it a habit to take time out from my day to do at least one thing that benefits only someone else. I try to vary what I do and I go to bed each night knowing that I have contributed—even if in a small way—to the happiness or well-being of another person. I post ads about dogs that are at shelters and are having trouble finding homes, I visit a couple older people I know who have no real family and share time just talking with them, I offer to shop for people who might find it hard to get out and about, or I volunteer at a no-kill shelter. Any of those things—and countless others—give me an uplifting feeling, and when I return to my business dealings, I am renewed and am feeling good about who I am and what I am capable of.

Sometimes, the simple act of doing something other than pursuing your own success can actually help in bringing that success about. When you are confident in the type of person you are and what you contribute to the world, it reflects in everything you do. Pick up trash, walk in a marathon that benefits a cause, sort through your possessions and donate what is not being used. And doing those things that are of benefit to others and the fact that you made a difference will make a difference in you, your business, and those you meet.