⏰ Timeliness is Next to Godliness and
Other Life Lessons from Childhood
First of all, a HUGE thank you to Carol Williams and Anna "Banana" Kruchten for giving us all so much of their time hosting this month’s fun challenge. Reading the entries, I can say that I fit in with the majority of members whose life’s lessons began in early childhood…
In my experience, military families take discipline to a whole new level, compared to civilian families! Trust me, it's a game changer in how you approach life as my parents were no exception - they made us toe the line. If we didn’t, we learned at a very early age, there will be consequences, specific to our actions.
The ‘military upbringing’ certainly brings the best of both worlds to life by incorporating discipline into a loving home environment. This fusion enriches family life and is especially helpful for children who go through frequent relocations or have parents deployed on active duty.
Some principles, commonly found in military households, led me to live the life I do today - both personally and professionally:
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Be Early, Be Awesome: Punctuality isn't just a rule; it's a lifestyle. Arriving early gives you a head start on success! Remember, if you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late.
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Respect is Golden: Just as in the military, a healthy respect for authority enriches the home environment, nurturing strong relationships. In my professional life, I can say this is HUGE! I met with clients last week who golf with several local agents as well as enjoying country club events with other agents & their families. They said every agent they have met knows me and respects me. That respect has helped win bidding wars for my clients on numerous occasions!
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Unified in Action: From how you fold your clothes to how you make your bed to your overall appearance, uniformity creates a sense of cohesion and pride. In business, it’s setting processes - tweaking them as needed and implementing them 100% of the time.
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Own Your Actions: Accountability is a virtue. Making a mistake is a chance to grow, not something to hide from. If you make a mistake, OWN IT!
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Attention to Detail: Precision helps in everything from chores to school work as children to business as adults, boosting quality and satisfaction in all that you do.
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Stand Tall, Stand Proud: Good posture isn't just for show; it exudes confidence and positivity. My parents said, “Whether you know it or not, the habits you are developing now will be with you for the rest of your life.” Wouldn’t you know it, that’s something John Wooden has also been credited as saying!
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Stay Sharp and Ready: Being aware of your surroundings and having a game plan is a skill that helps both young and old. Being ‘in the moment’ or present, coupled with actively listening is a recipe for learning. It helps in both personal and professional relationships.
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Fit Body, Fit Mind: When my Dad was enlisted, physical exercise was a family affair for us. Personally, exercise offers benefits of better health and greater unity. Physical exercise clears the cobwebs from the mind in adulthood as well - for me, that is great for business; clarity helps us be better negotiators and businessmen and women.
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Be True to Your Word: Living by principles of honor and integrity not only feels good but also sets a great example, whether it be in childhood or adulthood. As for my business, my word is absolutely my bond!
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Speak Clearly, Act Wisely: Effective communication is the cornerstone of any strong military family, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. With regards to business, like respect, communication has also won more bidding wars for my clients than I can count!
Asking others how they prefer to communicate is so important - and when you ask, LISTEN to their answer. Some prefer to communicate via text during the day but, have time after work and on weekends to chat by phone - and actually prefer that to texting.
So, I feel as though I am living proof that these military-inspired principles add a positive and effective dimension to a truly positive & fulfilling life!
🌟 #PersonalCharacter 🎖️ #MilitaryInspiredValues
🏃♀️💪#FitBodyFitMind 🌟👨👩👧👦 #MilitaryFamily 📚🎯⏳#NextLevelDiscipline
⏰ #Timliness 🇺🇸✈️ #USAirForce 🎩👏 #RESPECT
🏘️ #HomeValues 💼📈 #BusinessPrinciples
© Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | “Timeliness is Next to Godliness” and Other Life Lessons from Childhood
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