The Power of Five

I had no idea all the places this column would go when I wrote it two years ago. So many parents and grandparents shared it with their graduates. When I wrote From the Hart, I had to include it in a Chapter 6. I elaborated a bit more. It’s graduation season, so I thought I would share it again …

When my grandson, Jake Baker, graduated from high school, I wanted to give him something no one else could, so I shared my thoughts on how he could build habits that would help him succeed in life.

Do five intentional things every morning to create purpose for your day.

1. Make your bed. This creates order.
2. Pray for wisdom. This creates a mindset for any decisions you have to make.
3. Make a list of five things you want to accomplish. Keep the list simple. This creates intentionality.
4. Send a text to encourage a friend. Your words matter. Never doubt the power of a word of encouragement.
5. Leave your room/apartment/home in order. Coming home to a calm environment, rather than to clutter and chaos, creates a relaxed mind. Take five minutes to put away “stuff.”

Show kindness in five ways each day.

1. Smile at five strangers. Yours may be the only smile they get that day. A smile tells someone they are seen.
2. Speak to the older adult standing in line with you. You may be the only one to speak to them. They need to feel seen.
3. Pat a buddy on the back, fist-bump him, and offer a word of praise or encouragement. He may be hiding a hurt or worry.
4. Ask your server how their day is going. Listen to what they say. People want to be seen and heard while doing their job. It may be almost as important as the tip you leave them.
5. Tell someone you appreciate them and why. Words of appreciation hug the heart.

Consider who is in your Circle of Five.

Did you know that the five people you spend the most time with significantly influence the man/woman you become? Pick and choose your friends well.

1. People of integrity
2. Kind people
3. People who are not critical or mean
4. People who have goals
5. People who make good decisions and take responsibility for their mistakes

Guard your reputation.

1. Leave 15 minutes earlier than planned. This gives space for traffic issues or delays. You become known for being where you are supposed to be, and being on time shows that you value others’ time.
2. Learn the importance of a sincere apology. Apologies need to be followed up with a change. Actions really do speak louder than words. Written apologies are pure gold.
3. Take responsibility for your mistakes. You will make them. People notice your willingness to take responsibility more than your perfection.
4. Your word is only as good as your reputation, so be truthful. Once you are caught in a lie, your reputation is tainted. You can’t cover manure with any amount of perfume and expect it not to stink.
5. You are known by the company you keep. (Back to your Circle of Five)

Take time to breathe at the end of your day.

1. Take five deep breaths and slowly release them to calm your nervous system.
2. Name five things that made your day sweet. Coffee with a friend. Your favorite song on the radio. You heard a child’s laughter. You made more green lights than red. Your grandmother sent you a text saying she loves you.
3. Name five things you are grateful for. Chick-fil-A. A full tank of gas. A buddy who gets your jokes. Clean laundry. Tickets to a concert with friends.
4. Reflect on a favorite scripture and why it’s a favorite. Write it down.
5. Say your prayers. Thank God for getting you through a bad day or celebrating a good one.

* * *

This may sound like a lot to remember, but it will become a way of life. It will become routine.

You won’t intentionally think about having to do any of it – well, except the cleaning up your stuff part. It all leads to a pretty simple but quite sweet life.

The Power of Five is life-changing if you choose to accept its challenges.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

“Father God, may my steps stay in your light as you direct them. Help me see those in need and reach out to love them well. Help me to see the glimmers of delight in every day.”

* * *

Do you have a routine you usually follow every morning?

Who are the five people you consider your Tribe of Five?

Do you make your bed every day? (I had to ask.)

You can purchase “From the Hart” on Amazon at a.co/d/06kiySik.

* * *

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.