I have been blessed in life to be one of those people who is frequently called upon to provide mentorship for another person who happens to be unemployed, underemployed, or in struggling through a difficult time in their life. I call this a “blessing” because I consider it an honor that someone who knows me would refer a friend or acquaintance to me knowing there is high likelihood that I would be happy to meet a stranger under the assumption that my advice or my suggestions may be of value.

When asked, I always say yes. Often, my advice or my referral leads to nothing more than another step in a necessary process. Seldom does my connection lead to a meaningful job offer. But, I meet with these new contacts nonetheless with the hope and belief that my gesture of friendship, being respectful, by showing that I care, offering some suggestion may be worthwhile even in a small way.

Former head football coach and now NFL commentator makes this point very distinctly. “I follow three rules- Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people that you care.” Lou Holtz

My advice to others usually follows the same advice I give to my children. Don’t let other people tell you what success looks like. Get in touch with your own values. Spend time to identify your talents and skills. More importantly, identify what’s in your heart. When you are all by yourself, what advice do you give yourself?

Making money is a good thing. Making lots of money is better. But, making lots of money is a shallow motivator for many people like me. Human Resource research says money is seldom the number one motivator for most people. Doing work that matters is more important. Doing work that benefits others is far more important.

Martin Luther King Jr. is credited with this quote, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Today, I challenge myself to listen to my heart, make a decision that’s best for myself and for my family. Trust, with confidence, that whatever decision I make it will be the right decision because my good attitude about this decision will make it right.

I am so fortunate to have this opportunity before me. I am blessed with the freedom to choose, the right to make a choice, and the courage to know in advance that good things will come from this choice, based upon past experiences. Of all blessings to pass on to others this may be of the greatest value. Thank you God for the faith to pursue challenges and to expect positive outcomes.