The power of five

My grandson, Jacob Baker, will walk across the stage and be handed his high school diploma in a few days. Then what?

If Jake knows anything about his Grandma Janet, it is that she is never a woman of few words. In this week’s column, I have some advice to share with him.

As I contemplate what to say, I keep coming back to the Power of Five.

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Congratulations on your graduation, Jake Baker! (Photo provided)

Do five intentional things every morning that will 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.
5. Leave your room/apartment/home in order. Coming home to a calm environment rather than clutter and chaos creates a relaxed mind. Take five minutes to put away “stuff.”

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Show kindness in five ways each day.

1. Smile to five strangers. Yours may be the only smile they get that day.
2. Speak to the older adult standing in line with you. You may be the only one to speak to them.
3. Pat a buddy on the back or 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.
5. Tell someone you appreciate them and why.

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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 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

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Guard your reputation.

1. Leave 15 minutes earlier than planned. This gives space for traffic issues or delays. You become a person known to be where you are supposed to be and being on time shows that you value the time of others.
2. Take responsibility for your mistakes. You will make them. People notice more about your willingness to take responsibility than your perfection.
3. Learn to apologize with sincerity. An apology is only sincere when a change is made.
4. Be truthful. Your word is only as good as your reputation. Once you are caught in a lie, your reputation is tainted and questioned.
5. You are known by the company you keep. (Back to your Circle of Five)

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At the end of your work day, let go of your struggles and stress.

1. Take five deep breaths and slowly release 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 made more green lights than red. You heard the laughter of a child. Your grandma texted that she loves you.
3. Name five things you are grateful for. Chick-fil-A. A full tank of gas. A buddy that gets your jokes. Clean laundry. Tickets to a concert with friends.
4. Reflect on a favorite scripture and why it’s a favorite.
5. Say your prayers. Thank God for getting you through a bad day or celebrating a good one.

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This may sound like a lot to remember, Jake, but it’s a way of life. It will become routine. You won’t intentionally think about having to do any of it except for cleaning up your stuff. It all leads to a pretty simple but quite sweet life.

The Power of Five can be life-changing should you choose to make them a habit. The decisions are yours to make … with a few reminders from your Grandma Janet.

I love you, Jake, and I am so proud of you. Happy Graduation!

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.