“Everyday is an Interview: The Power of Being Prepared”

This morning, I stopped by my favorite bagel shop to grab breakfast for a meeting I was hosting. While I would have preferred a spread featuring more proteins and fruits, I let the team decide, and their unanimous choice was bagels with cream cheese.

As I stepped up to the counter, I confidently told the cashier my order—down to every last detail. Her response caught me off guard. With a mix of amazement and relief, she said, “You know exactly what you want. I wish more of our customers were like that. You wouldn’t believe how much time people waste deciding. Their indecision stresses the rest of the line.”

I was stunned. The bagel shop’s menu is as straightforward as it gets, and they thrive on loyal, repeat customers. Yet, indecisiveness seems to be a daily challenge for the staff and a source of frustration for those waiting.

This experience left me thinking: How often do we walk into situations—whether in a bagel shop, a meeting, or even an interview—unprepared, unsure of what we want or how to articulate it?

The Takeaway

Preparation is powerful. Whether ordering breakfast or walking into an important meeting, taking a few moments to clarify your goals makes a difference.

  • For You: Confidence comes naturally when you know what you want.
  • For Others: Your readiness saves time and leaves a positive impression on those you interact with.

So, before you step into any “line” in life, take a moment to think ahead. Whether deciding on your bagel order or outlining your goals for a meeting, preparation is a skill that serves you—and those around you—well.

After all, everyday is an interview, and being prepared is one of the best ways to leave a lasting impression.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

#I Own the Morning

Who I Want to Be

Everyone occasionally needs a wake-up call to remind themselves to embody the person they want to be. It’s easy to act with composure and confidence when things are going well or others are watching. However, the true test of character arises in moments of frustration and adversity or when no one is watching. 

How do you behave when:

– No one is watching?

– You feel overwhelmed by emotions?

– Circumstances aren’t in your favor?

It’s essential to acknowledge that no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing ourselves for these moments of weakness, we should embrace them as opportunities for reflection and growth. 

When we recognize that we’re not living up to our ideals, we must take a step back and assess our reactions. This self-awareness is the first step toward making positive changes. Ask yourself:

– What triggered this reaction?

– How can I respond differently next time?

– What steps can I take to align my actions with my values?

By committing to an ongoing self-evaluation process, we can gradually transform setbacks into stepping stones toward becoming the best version of ourselves. Remember, growth is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and continue striving to be the person you truly want to be.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

#iownthemorning

Driving Lessons from a Commute: Stay Safe and Sane

My wife and I had the rare opportunity to drive to work together. I am glad we did. We kept each other calm as one driver decided to use the morning commute as a tryout for a live Frogger event. She weaved in and out of traffic. Each time she would reenter a lane, she cut off another driver. At one point, she was so frustrated with the speed in the left “passing” lane that she darted into the right lane without looking, forcing the driver in the right lane to veer off the road.

There is no excuse for this. 

Driving recklessly in an emergency will not improve your chances of reaching your destination. The priority should be arriving safely, not on time.

If the person was driving recklessly because they were late, they should have front-loaded their day better not to endanger the lives of those around them.

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrong, StayHealthy

#iownthemorning