Today's TQ

Daily Lessons in Intentional Excellence
Thursday, January 1, 2026

Are You Making A Difference?

Look for ways in which you can make a difference. No role is too small for you to make a positive contribution. Remember, there's no such thing as a small gift.

Find a way, before today ends, to make a difference. You'll experience a renewed sense of well-being and happiness.

Today's TQ Challenge: Stay Connected to Your Mission.

Choose to be SELF-GOVERNED! What opportunity do you have to make a personal contribution today?
Choose to be DECISIVE! How do you feel when you know you've made a difference?
Choose to be PURPOSEFUL! Where this week can you make a difference in the way your co-workers feel?

In the trials and chaos of modern life, you need a set of standards to help guide you through the good times and the bad. The highest and most beneficial set of rules is the one you establish for the preferred way that you want to live. Once you have a list of your most important values, commit to a personal mission statement that declares how you will live what you value. The most basic mission statement is simply this: "I will live a life of... (insert your list of values here)... every day of my life."

"A test of what is real is that it is hard and rough. Joys are found in it, not pleasure. What is pleasant belongs to dreams." ~ Simone Weil

Think about it. How well and how often do you actually DO Mission Factor 2B?

"I keep a personal mission statement that promises how I will "live what I value" as my code of conduct for everything I do."

A high commitment (2B rated 8 or better) suggests that whenever you are in doubt, you can recite a personal pledge for how you will live your values. Your mission statement is your guiding light that keeps you on the path to your dreams. Not only have you identified what's most important to you, you've also taken the next step. You've promised to focus your life on those things that bring the greatest satisfaction. By determining exactly what you want and who you will be, you have the unique advantage of always knowing what's right for you -- even when decisions are difficult.

On the other hand...

A lack of commitment suggests you're not exactly sure what you stand for. As a result, you are often undecided and easily stressed when trying to make decisions about your future. You're never 100% sure what you can count on -- and that includes yourself. Your personal character is never in question, but you are frequently confused about what is the right thing to do. Prioritizing where you should invest your time and resources is not easy. With no clear code of conduct, you may disregard your true values for easier, more immediate rewards.

What happens when you CHOOSE to do Factor 2B a bit more frequently?

You clearly understand which choices support you and your values -- and which do not. You accumulate performance positives like "Self-Governed, Decisive and Idealistic" -- immediately moving you towards the results you expect.

What happens when you FAIL to consistently do Factor 2B?

You have no clear guidance for the individual choices you make every day. Negatives like "Uncertain, Undetermined and Uncommitted" start to take their toll on your performance -- quickly moving you away from the success you want.

Now Ask Yourself This...
Is Factor 2B Causing You Problems?

If you believe this factor is a key performance obstacle -- and that it's preventing you from realizing your personal dreams and goals -- then you need to improve it.

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