The Real Big Three

I grew up in Detroit, Michigan.?The term the Big Three, carried a distinct automotive connotation, as it did for many across the country.?Those of us from the Motor City are proud of that legacy, and of course, the musical gift that is Motown.

This world spins so fast, that we often times lose sight of what is most important in our lives.?My philosophy is that there is nothing more important than our faith, our family, and our health. ?Including any job. ?I call these the Real Big Three.?When we nurture the things that make us who we are, we ensure that we are the best versions of ourselves. ?Conversely, if we sacrifice any of the Real Big Three as we traverse the rat race, there is always something missing, and we will have a difficult time functioning at our highest level.

My faith has been the driving force of who I am. ?Believing in something higher than ourselves is so critical in keeping the world in its proper perspective.?It allows us to be clear-eyed in the face of adversity, and helps us to not dwell on the past or obsess over the future.?We must focus on the present, or risk missing the beauty of the journey.?Having faith requires us to avoid overthinking things.?Paralysis by analysis.?The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. may have said it best regarding the journey of faith – “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

Family should be self-explanatory.?However, I will say to those of you with young children, make sure that they always feel your love for them, and that they matter.?Kids grow up so fast!?“Stuff” is not what matters most to them.?It is our time.?When my own kids were young, my wife Kathi and I made sure that attending their sports activities, and other interests, were absolute priorities.?It was rare for us to miss them.?For example, the day that my son Trenton’s basketball schedule would come out, it would go right into my work calendar to ensure that I did not schedule something that would cause me to miss a game.?If a family member calls when I am in a meeting, I will often check to make sure that the reason for their call is not an emergency.?Even if just with a quick text.?Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”?If you find yourself thinking about how a loved one is doing, make that call right then, and there.

If we ignore our health, we potentially lose everything.?Do not write yourself out of your own schedule.?I have never been one for New Year’s resolutions.?A frequent resolution many make involves our resolve to work out more.?If that is on tap for you in 2022, put it in your calendar.?Do not cancel it to accommodate another in a long line of meetings, which you can schedule for a different time.?When we exercise and feel healthy, we tend to think more clearly, we accomplish more, and are more pleasant.?If not for you, do it for those who love you, and want to have you around for the long-term.??Lastly, for God’s sake, please take this pandemic seriously!?It boggles the mind to see so many people acting so foolishly.?If not for your own benefit, do it for others.?Here is the latest information from the CDC.? https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html ??

As we embark on this new adventure called 2022, let us do so with all due intention around the Real Big Three.?In so doing, we can all be, in the words of my friend and songwriter Rodney Saulsberry, “better than before!”

Cheers,

LP