Month August 2024

But I Don’t Want to Be a Leader

Steve Keating 2 Comments

I recently had a conversation about leadership with the owner of what I would call a big, small company. He employs about 800 people, so not a small company but not really a big one either.

Anyway, we were talking about what type of person he generally tries to employ. He said he only hires people who want to be leaders. He went on to explain that having the opportunity to lead others, and not taking advantage of it, is a terrible waste. It shows laziness on the part of the person. He doesn’t want lazy people on his payroll.

He said it also shows an extreme level of selfishness, and he won’t have selfishness messing with the culture of his company. I assured him that his thoughts were understandable. I then also assured him that those same thoughts were, while understandable, also very wrong.

Not everyone is cut out to lead. Not everyone needs to lead to be successful. Organizations need individual contributors every bit as much as they need leaders. Hiring only people who aspire to positions of leadership is a recipe for organizational failure.

If you’re one of the many people who do not aspire to a position of leadership, don’t let others try to tell you that you’re wrong. Don’t let them make you feel that somehow you are “less” than those who do aspire to a leadership role.

You should know, without a doubt, that it is completely okay not to aspire to a leadership position. Here’s exactly why that is true.

1. Personal Fulfillment: Not everyone finds fulfillment in leading others. Some people derive more satisfaction from roles that allow them to focus on their specific skills, passions, or areas of expertise. Leadership often requires a shift away from hands-on work to more strategic tasks. Those tasks might not align with what makes someone happy or motivated.

2. Work-Life Balance: Leadership positions often come with increased responsibility. This can lead to longer hours, more stress, and a greater impact on one’s personal life. For some, the trade-off between career advancement and maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn’t worth it.

3. Different Career Goals: Career success looks different for everyone. Some people may value mastering a craft, contributing to meaningful projects, or working in a supportive team environment over climbing the corporate ladder. Success doesn’t have to mean being in charge.

4. Comfort with Current Role: Many people are content and fulfilled in their current roles. They might enjoy the work they do, feel appreciated, and see no need to take on additional responsibilities. If someone is happy where they are, there’s no need to pursue a leadership position just because it’s the traditional path to advancement.

5. Leadership Isn’t for Everyone: Leadership requires a specific skill set. These skills include decision-making under pressure, managing diverse personalities, and navigating organizational politics. Not everyone has an interest in developing these skills, and that’s perfectly fine. Recognizing one’s strengths and preferences is crucial in building a satisfying career.

6. Contribution in Other Ways: You can make significant contributions to an organization or cause without being in a leadership role. Many people are the backbone of their teams. They provide critical support, innovation, and expertise. They work drives success from behind the scenes.

7. Contentment and Satisfaction: Some individuals might feel content and satisfied with their current position and responsibilities. They may prefer stability and predictability over the challenges and uncertainties that often come with leadership roles.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s career journey is unique. What matters most is finding a path that aligns with your values, needs, and aspirations. Leadership is one way to have a meaningful and successful career. But it is far far from the only way.

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How to Be a Better Friend

Steve Keating Leave a comment

There are, in fact, some people who aren’t interested in being better friends. Some are kind of loners who prefer their own company to that of other people. It seems strange and worrisome to those of us who need social interaction with others.

Whatever category you may fit into, research says that as we get older, it becomes more difficult to make new friends. In fact, most people over the age of 30 have not made a new friend in over five years.

Before you go thinking that’s crazy, understand how the researchers defined friends. They said that a friend is someone you have a meaningful relationship with… outside of work. That means that all your “work friends” who you only associate with at work, or wouldn’t associate with if not for work, do not “count” as friends.

Going for drinks after work, but never seeing them any other time, does not make them a true friend. You have a work relationship with them, maybe even a great one. But if you’re not discussing your life outside of work with them on a regular and consistent basis, then the researchers didn’t classify it as a meaningful relationship.

The vast majority of people with great friends at work never see them again once one of them leaves the company where they met. This is despite promises to “keep in touch” and let’s get together soon. This fact has been proven about 100 gazillion times. They were great people to work with, but you did not have a meaningful, personal relationship with them. So it’s easy to lose touch.

It seems once we are past our school years, the opportunity to meet new people shrinks dramatically. Even people who go to networking events tend to talk only with people they already know. That’s kind of crazy but it’s true.

It’s just not easy to meet new people, no matter how hard your mom tries to set you up with them. 🙂

The best way to make a friend, a true friend, is to be a friend. To be the best friend you can possibly be. Being a true friend involves qualities like empathy, communication, and trust. If you’re interested in being the type of person who people are drawn to, then here are a few ideas to help you get started.

1. Listen Actively

• Pay attention when your friend is speaking. Show that you’re listening by nodding, asking questions, and offering feedback. Avoid interrupting or thinking about what you’ll say next. PUT THE PHONE DOWN. TURN IT OFF. Your phone may help you keep in touch with a friend, but it sure as heck doesn’t help you make one.

2. Be Supportive

• Offer encouragement and be there during tough times. Whether it’s celebrating successes or providing comfort during hardships, showing support is crucial. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, because when you give your time you are giving a part of yourself that you can never get back. That’s hugely significant.

3. Communicate Openly

• Share your thoughts and feelings honestly but kindly. Address conflicts directly, and be willing to discuss and resolve any misunderstandings. If you’ve ever seen a Hallmark romantic movie you know there is a terrible misunderstanding in almost every one. They are almost always due to miscommunication. So avoid the misunderstanding and communicate honestly, openly, humbly, and most of all, with a completely open mind.

4. Be Trustworthy

• Keep their secrets and promises. Reliability is a cornerstone of trust. If you say you’ll do something, follow through. If someone tells you something in confidence and you tell even one other person, then you have broken that confidence and likely the relationship with it.

5. Show Empathy

• Try to understand their perspective and feelings, even if they differ from your own. Empathy helps deepen your connection. One of the things that prevents people from truly connecting is being judgmental. If you really, I mean really, try to understand other people’s perspective and feelings you’ll be much less likely to judge them.

6. Respect Boundaries

• Everyone has their own limits and needs. Respect your friend’s boundaries, whether it’s about personal space, time, or topics of conversation. When someone, particularly a close friend, says “don’t go there,” then do not go there. Period.

7. Celebrate Differences

• Embrace what makes your friend unique. Different opinions, hobbies, and perspectives can enrich the friendship. One of the challenges of making friends as we get older is that we tend to look for people to befriend who are just like us. That can really shrink the pool of possible friends. Before you can open your heart to a new friend, you need to open your mind. You may not “connect” on all things with someone different from you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a close friendship with them. Just give them a chance.

8. Be Present

• Quality time is essential. Whether it’s in person or through calls and messages, make time to connect regularly. Here’s a harsh reality of friendship. True friends are never too busy for you. They find the time, they make the time, or they have already reserved the time for you. If someone “just can’t find the time” for you, then you know all you need to know.

9. Apologize When Necessary

• Sometimes even the best of friends have a falling out. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Apologizing sincerely and making amends strengthens the bond. Do it quickly; waiting a day often turns into two. Two turns into four, and before you know it, too long has gone by for you to feel comfortable reaching out to them. True friends are hard to come by; don’t lose one by failing to apologize when an apology is called.

• On the other side of that equation, sometimes you may need to accept an apology that was never given. You have to ask yourself, “What is more important to me, an acknowledgment that I was right all along or my relationship with this person?” Let your answer to that question be your guide.

10. Show Appreciation

• Nobody, nobody, nobody likes being taken for granted. Frequently express gratitude for your friend’s presence in your life. Small gestures like a thank-you note or a kind word can go a long way.

Honestly ask yourself when was the last time you made a new friend. Especially outside of work. If you’re like the vast majority of people, and you’re really being honest, I’ll bet it’s been longer than you can remember.

But you can start changing that today. All it takes is a decision to do it. Maybe it’s a decision to risk looking a little foolish, a little weird, or even a little desperate. Just remember, if it doesn’t work out they will be out of your life and soon enough, you won’t remember them. If it does work out, soon enough your new friend won’t remember if you were foolish or seemed weird the first time you met.

So go for it. It is never a bad time to make a new dear friend.

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How to Lift Your Spirits

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I think everyone feels a little blue from time to time. Some people simply hide it better than others. There are lots of reasons why that happens and all of them are associated with this thing we call life.

Most of the time, we get past the blues without taking any specific action. Something good happens, and we snap out of it. But sometimes, the blues hang around a little longer than they should. Long enough in fact, that they start to cause us problems.

Problems with our attitudes. Problems with our productivity and creativity. We might procrastinate more than normal. We might even start to have relationship issues.

If any of those things are happening to you, then it may be time to proactively pull yourself back towards your peak performance. Here’s a handful of suggestions to make that happen.

1. Physical Activity: Exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s a proven mood booster. Go for a run, lift some weights, or even dance like nobody’s watching. Endorphins are your friends, so do something, anything to get yourself moving. Sitting on the couch just ain’t gonna get it done.

2. Sunlight: Get some natural light. It helps regulate your serotonin levels, which can significantly improve your mood. Even if it’s cloudy, just being outside can help.

3. Connect with Others: Humans are social creatures. Call a friend, have a real conversation, or, better yet, meet up if you can. Social interaction can be incredibly uplifting.

4. Gratitude Practice: This might sound cliché, but writing down three things you’re grateful for each day can shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already there. This is a bigger deal than you may think. An “attitude of gratitude” can “fix” a whole lot of problems in your life; in fact, it can eliminate them altogether.

5. Limit News and Social Media: Sometimes, the world’s chaos can seep into your psyche. Take breaks from news cycles and the endless scroll of social media. Despite what you may see, hear, and read, the world isn’t ending today. I know that for a fact because it’s already tomorrow in Australia, so the rest of us “non-Aussies” have at least one more day. Let’s all make the most of it.

6. Creative Expression: Whether it’s drawing, writing, music, or any form of art, creating something can be therapeutic. It doesn’t have to be good; it just has to be done.

7. Set Small Goals: Achieving something, no matter how small, can give you a sense of accomplishment. Clean your room, cook a meal, or finish a chapter of a book. A surprisingly simple way to get your day off to a great start is to make your bed. Yep, start your day by making your bed and you’ve accomplished something before you even left the house.

8. Help Someone Else: Sometimes, lifting others can lift you. Volunteer, help a neighbor, or just do something kind for someone else. If you really want to boost your mood, do that something kind for someone else without them finding out it was you who did it. That’s harder than you think because we all like credit for doing something good. But it makes a huge difference for you if you just did it because it was the right thing to do.

These 8 suggestions are easy to do and they work. But here’s the thing, they are short-term solutions. If you find yourself constantly down in the dumps, that is not a good thing. It may be considerably more serious and if that’s the case, these ideas are much less likely to help. It’s entirely possible that you would benefit from professional help. If you’re really struggling, there’s no shame in seeking professional help. No shame at all, NONE. I’d even say it’s an incredibly courageous thing to do. Therapists are trained to help you navigate through tough times; it’s silly not to use their expertise when they are available to help you.

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay; it’s a sure sign you’re human. But it’s also okay to take active steps to feel better. Life’s a bit like a roller coaster; sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down, but with any luck, the ride’s not over yet.

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How to Deal with Cruel People

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I’ve been very blessed to seldom find myself in a situation where I have to interact with a truly cruel person. You know the type. Those people who actually take pleasure in causing pain and anguish in someone else’s life.

Whether it’s mental anguish, physical pain, or just wreaking havoc in someone’s life, they delight in seeing other people struggling. And if they are truly a cruel person they are pretty darn good at making life miserable for others.

But like it or not, there will likely be a time when we will have to interact with that type of individual. I think dealing with cruel people will always be challenging. That’s because, hopefully, we never get enough practice to get good at it.

But when we do come across a cruel person, here are some strategies that might help you deal with them a little more effectively.

1. Set Boundaries: Clearly define what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Don’t be afraid to enforce these boundaries. Limit contact or walk away from toxic, cruel people and the situations they create.

2. Stay Calm: Cruel people often try to provoke a reaction. By staying calm and composed, you maintain control of the situation and avoid giving them the satisfaction of seeing you upset.

3. Don’t Take It Personally: Often, cruelty stems from the other person’s issues rather than anything you’ve done. Remember that their behavior reflects their character, not yours.

4. Respond with Empathy: Sometimes, responding with kindness can disarm a cruel person. It may not change their behavior, but it can help you maintain your integrity and avoid escalating the situation.

5. Avoid Retaliation: Responding with cruelty can perpetuate a cycle of negativity. Instead, focus on constructive ways to address the situation or remove yourself from it.

6. Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing. Sometimes an outside perspective can help you navigate difficult situations more effectively.

7. Protect Your Well-being: Prioritize your mental and emotional health. If the cruelty is persistent and affecting you deeply, consider seeking professional help to cope.

8. Know When to Walk Away: Sometimes the best response is to remove yourself from the situation entirely. If someone is consistently cruel, it may be best to distance yourself and focus on healthier relationships.

There will certainly be people reading this who would take a different approach than any of these. Those are the “fight fire with fire” kinds of individuals. I know those kinds of people because at my core I’m one of them. I’d seriously just as soon nuke a cruel person into oblivion, but time and experience have taught me that’s a losing proposition.

Being the bigger, kinder, smarter person is a much better approach. So I take a breath and remind myself that when the fire department fights fires, they typically use water, not more fire.

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People Matter and They Need to Know It

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Even though I may have never met you, I know something about you that is irrefutable. What I know is that you have a basic human need to know that you matter. That you are significant to someone. That you make a difference in the world.

I would like to think that I don’t personally have that need. In some ways, it almost feels like a weakness to me. Except I know that deep inside, I do have that need. I also know that it absolutely is NOT a weakness. Having that need is simply proof that I am human.

A long time ago, in a land far far away, (and a heck of a lot cooler) I was celebrating my 10th anniversary for a company that I would go on to work at for a couple more decades. For each milestone anniversary, the company would allow you to select a remembrance gift from a catalog.

On the date of my anniversary, the gift was presented to me by a couple of my bosses. One of them was the Director of Sales. I’d bet a million bucks that he wouldn’t remember this, but he said one short, simple sentence to me that I’ll likely never forget. He said, “Thanks for what you do; you make us all better.”

And there it was. Verification that I helped people. I made a difference. What I did mattered. It was recognized and verbalized by someone I greatly respected.

I had dozens and dozens of cards and letters from people, literally from all over the world. They thanked me for helping them and for the difference I had made in their lives. But somehow, having someone look you in the eye and say it to your face was much more powerful.

If you’re a leader, you absolutely must understand that your people NEED to know they matter. That what they do makes a difference. Making certain they know that, without a doubt, is one of the most vital functions of leadership.

A leader can demonstrate to their people that they matter by taking actions that emphasize respect, recognition, and support. Here’s how:

Active Listening:

• Engage in Conversations: A leader should listen attentively to their team members, valuing their input and ideas. This shows that their opinions are respected and considered.

• Respond Thoughtfully: Acknowledge concerns and provide constructive feedback, demonstrating that their voices are heard and valued.

Recognition and Appreciation:

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognize individual and team accomplishments publicly. This could be through awards, shout-outs in meetings, or personalized notes of appreciation.

• Acknowledge Effort: Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, recognizing the effort and dedication shows that the leader values their commitment.

Empowerment:

• Delegate Meaningful Tasks: Trust team members with responsibilities that challenge them and allow for growth. This signals that the leader believes in their capabilities.

• Provide Opportunities for Development: Support their professional growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead projects, showing that their development is important.

Support and Advocacy:

• Be Accessible: Maintain an open-door policy where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, or ideas.

• Advocate for Their Needs: Stand up for the team’s needs, whether it’s for resources, time, or recognition, demonstrating that their well-being is a priority.

Foster a Positive Culture:

• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that everyone feels included, respected, and valued, regardless of their role or background.

• Encourage Work-Life Balance: Respect personal time and promote a culture that values health and well-being, showing that the leader cares about their holistic experience.

Lead by Example:

• Demonstrate Integrity and Empathy: By showing fairness, empathy, and consistency in actions, a leader can reinforce the message that everyone matters.

• Be Transparent: Share relevant information and explain decisions to help team members understand the bigger picture, fostering trust and a sense of belonging.

As a leader, you should consistently exhibit these behaviors. They create an environment where people feel valued, respected, and motivated, reinforcing the idea that they matter.

The key word in that sentence is “consistently.” Helping people understand how and why they matter needs to be a part of what you do every day. You don’t do it in your spare time; you don’t do it when you can find the time. You put it at the top of your daily task list. You don’t allow a day to pass without letting at least one member of your organization know how they made a difference. No excuses!

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Being a Leader that People Will Want to Follow

Steve Keating 3 Comments

I’ve worked with many people who wanted to be a boss. They would make comments such as, “When I’m the boss, they will have to do what I tell them to do.” They aspired to a position of leadership so they could force people to follow “orders.”

I had a ready-made answer for those people. The answer was, “you may be able to get them to do something, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll get them to do it well.” That’s because the best a boss, or most managers, can hope for is the compliance of their people. Compliant people may do what they are told but they almost never pour their heart and soul into doing it. They are most often “bare minimum doers” who do as little as possible. Most often doing just enough to keep their jobs.

Only committed people do more than required. And despite what many organizations say in their mission statements, their people are NOT committed to the organization. That’s because people can only commit to other people. Commitment is very personal. Humans don’t make commitments to their cars. Their houses, their boats, or anything. Not even the place they work at.

They make commitments to other people. So long as they know those people are also committed to them. Most bosses and managers do not possess the characteristics required to build committed relationships with their people. Authentic Leaders do.

People may be forced to comply with a boss, but they want to follow an Authentic Leader. They want to perform well for their leader. They will indeed make a huge effort, consistently doing more than is required of them.

Authentic Leaders create an Authentic Followership. It’s from those followers that they grow more leaders.

It all begins with being the type of leader that people will want to follow. Being a leader that people want to follow does not necessarily require holding a position of authority. It does require building trust, demonstrating integrity, and inspiring others.

If your goal is to be an Authentic Leader, one who others will be excited to follow, then here are some key principles to consider.

You lead by example. Integrity is vital when leading by example. Whether you realize it or not, you ARE leading by example. You must show honesty and consistency in your actions. Follow through on your promises, and adhere to the same standards you expect from others.

If you want dedication and commitment from your people, then you must demonstrate dedication and commitment. People are more likely to respect a leader who works as hard as they do.

Communication reigns supreme. Keep your team informed about important decisions and changes. Clear, honest communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty. There is some information that must remain private, but not much. Withholding information which could be shared does not make you more powerful; it makes your team weaker.

And remember, effective communicators are also excellent listeners. So pay attention to the ideas, concerns, and feedback of your team members. This not only helps you understand their perspectives but also makes them feel valued.

Empowerment is more than a buzz word. Trust your team with responsibilities and give them the autonomy to complete tasks. This not only fosters growth but also shows that you have confidence in their abilities. This is a vital step in building more leaders in your organization. If you’re a micromanager, then you’d best be prepared to accept micro accomplishments from your people.

Never stop investing in your team’s professional growth. Offer opportunities for learning and development, and provide the resources they need to succeed. As an Authentic Leader, your own success is completely dependent upon the success of your people. Keep the focus on developing your people, and they will help you and the organization succeed.

Consistently inspire and motivate the people you lead. No one is going to commit to following you until they know where you’re going. Articulate a clear and compelling vision that inspires others to contribute. When people understand the bigger picture, they are more motivated to work toward common goals.

If you want enthusiastic followers, then show enthusiasm for your work. Passion is contagious, and when your team sees your genuine excitement, they are more likely to share it.

Show your people that you truly care. One of the greatest truths of leadership is that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care… about them. Be aware of your team members’ individual needs and challenges. Show empathy in difficult situations and be supportive when they need it.

Foster, at all times, a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. A positive work environment leads to higher morale and stronger team cohesion.

Be a decider. Make informed decisions in a timely manner. Even when tough choices are necessary, being decisive helps maintain momentum and confidence. Once you’ve made the decision, take responsibility for your actions and the outcomes of your decisions. Admit mistakes when they happen, and focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

Everything you say and do either adds to or subtracts from your credibility. Be reliable in your actions and decisions. Consistency builds trust, as your team will know what to expect from you. Treat everyone with fairness and impartiality. Avoid favoritism, and ensure that all team members have equal opportunities.

People need recognition. Regularly recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team. Public acknowledgment boosts morale and motivates others to excel. Consistently show appreciation for the efforts of your team members. A simple thank-you can go a long way in making people feel valued.

By developing these characteristics, you’ll create a culture where people feel motivated, respected, and eager to follow your lead. Authentic Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential. When done right, it can lead to tremendous success for both individuals and the team as a whole.

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Why Little Details Are a Big Deal

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Steve Jobs was a big believer in getting the details right. He said he’d rather wait to launch a product until every detail was exactly right. Professional salespeople know that when details fall through the cracks the sale often does too.

It really doesn’t matter what kind of work you do; details, the “little things,” often make the difference between success and failure. Between winning and losing. Between earning that promotion or being stuck where you are.

They also make a difference in our personal lives. When others know that you will do exactly what you said you would do, exactly when you said you would do it, exactly how you said you would do it, you build trust. Trust is the foundation for every successful, lasting relationship we have.

Details matter, and if you tell yourself they don’t, you are either being lazy or foolish. Possibly both. I know that’s kind of harsh but honesty with yourself is step one in the self-improvement process.

You can become more detail-oriented by focusing on the finer points of commitments, tasks, and projects to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Here are some strategies to help.

1. Plan and Organize:

◦ Create To-Do Lists: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

◦ Use Calendars and Schedules: Allocate specific times for tasks and stick to your plan.

2. Develop Good Habits:

◦ Double-Check Work: Always review your work for errors or omissions.

◦ Stay Organized: Keep your workspace and digital files in order to reduce distractions and errors.

3. Practice Mindfulness:

◦ Stay Present: Focus fully on the task at hand and avoid multitasking. Some of you won’t like hearing this, but the only proven benefit of multitasking is that it helps you screw up more than one thing at a time.

◦ Take Breaks: Short breaks can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout.

4. Enhance Observation Skills:

◦ Notice Details: Train yourself to observe and remember small details in everyday life.

◦ Practice Memory Games: Engage in activities that challenge your memory and attention to detail.

5. Utilize Tools and Technology:

◦ Checklists and Templates: Use checklists to ensure you don’t miss any steps in a process. This may seem counterintuitive, but the more repetitive the task, the more beneficial a checklist becomes.

◦ Software Tools: Employ software for task management, proofreading, and data verification.

6. Seek Feedback:

◦ Ask for Input: Get feedback from colleagues or mentors on your work to identify areas for improvement.

◦ Learn from Mistakes: Analyze any mistakes you make to understand what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future.

7. Cultivate a Routine:

◦ Consistent Workflow: Establish a routine that includes regular times for planning, working, and reviewing.

◦ Healthy Habits: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition to support cognitive function.

8. Develop Patience:

◦ Take Your Time: Allow yourself enough time to complete tasks thoroughly.

◦ Avoid Rushing: Rushing through tasks increases the likelihood of mistakes. As someone much smarter than me once said, “if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, how will you ever have time to do it again?”

9. Focus on Accuracy:

◦ Prioritize Quality: Aim for high-quality work rather than just completing tasks quickly.

◦ Use Resources: Refer to guides, manuals, or experts when in doubt to ensure accuracy. Do not guess.

10. Continuous Learning:

◦ Stay Informed: Keep learning and updating your knowledge in your field. The most successful people learn something from almost every single day. Keep that in mind the next time you think you know enough.

◦ Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops or courses that emphasize attention to detail.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine will cause some people to call you anal. You can take comfort in knowing those people are likely pretty sloppy with details. They might be calling you names but you’ll be so far ahead of them you’re be unlikely to hear them.

Improving your attention to detail, like most things in life, is a choice. The sooner you make that choice, the sooner all areas of your life will improve. Why not make that choice today?

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