When was the last time you made an appointment with yourself? If you had asked me that question six months ago, I would have said it was totally ridiculous. But since I have been taking a closer look at my life lately, I have noticed that days and weeks – even months – go by and I don’t take time for a deep look at my attitude, my priorities – what I think most about. It’s so easy to become a fire fighter and only grapple with the latest crisis or pressing need. Well, I have come to conclude that there is no need more pressing than to get my thinking tweaked to where it is productive, positive and open. And from there I can go forward and be effective.

Someone once pointed out to me that the airplane flight attendant who goes over safety procedures always tells passengers to put their own oxygen mask on before they help anyone else. In much the same way, I’m discovering that for me to be of benefit to anyone or anything, I need to take care of me first. And it starts with what is happening on the inside. It is the most selfless thing I can do. Stopping periodically to make that “self-check” appointment, whether I think I need to or not, is invaluable. It’s a small habit with big rewards.