This morning I took my car in for the required oil change and tire rotation.  I knew it was time because I have a sticker on my windshield that tells me when I should take it in.  I will ALWAYS pay attention to that because…

When I was younger and bought my first car (with my own dollars), I quickly got into the ‘adulting’ world.  When you spend a large amount of money, you start to pay attention.  My dad taught me how to change a tire, which I was never planning on having to be the one to do that; but he wanted to make sure that I understood how.  Especially if I was stuck in the frigid winters I experienced in the Midwest – minus 30 degrees is not something I ever want to re-live or change a tire in for that matter. 

He probably said something about changing the oil, I vaguely recall him showing me something called a ‘dip stick’ and why I should check this occasionally.  TO be honest, I am not sure if I ever did check it, and I am not 100% certain I had an oil change done for the car.  I drove that car my last year of college, making the required car payments and car insurance.  I was responsible, right? 

I was a few blocks away from my home when the car just stopped, nothing.  No engine, no turning on, no radio – zero, zilch, nada.  I walked home and did what any daughter would do – I asked for help.  We had the car towed to the dealership.  The mechanics proceeded to tear apart the whole engine – it was in pieces on the ground. 

It ended up being a defect from the manufacturer, but I don’t think that I helped it one bit.  The car was in the dealership for months as they had to wait for the parts that they needed to fix it.  During that time, I had to ask for rides to and from work from family and friends.  I couldn’t do much else except wait for my car, and wait I did – months. 

When I finally got my car back, I read the car manual that came with it – I do that every time now.  I wanted to make sure that I understood my responsibility in keeping that car running.  Then, like now, I always make sure that I am doing the required maintenance when it is due.  That first car was a great car – we drove it 170,000 miles and close to 10 years.  Because we took care of it and didn’t ignore any warning signals.

Just like a car, we need to maintain our minds and our bodies.  What habits do you have every day (morning) that are putting you on the right track?  How can you do that?  By asking yourself the hard questions:

• Are you keeping up with changes in your industry? 
• What have you done (outside of work) to improve your skills? 
• DO you study everyday?
• Are you asking questions of yourself and what your position needs to focus on to get to the next level (or just get better)? Because if you are not – the world is master of your future.

 You are either predator or prey, which one are you?