Don't Wait for a Wake-Up Call

Recently, I had an occasion to be on the road before sunrise for an early appointment. The traffic was minimal, the lights all green, and the start of the day seemingly calm. It took me back to the days when being an early riser was the norm—decades spent being early in the office and late to leave—a trait that retirement has diminished over time. As I reflected on the past weekend’s activities, my thoughts were interrupted by a speeding ambulance with its lights flashing but siren silent, providing a subtle reminder of how one’s life can change instantly.

I recalled an American Heart Journal study that found heart attacks are 20% more likely to occur on Mondays between 6 a.m. and noon. This phenomenon is created partially because transitioning back to work after a weekend causes an increase in blood pressure and stress levels. Why? Because people return to jobs they don’t like or want, accompanied by demanding circumstances, complex relationships, and lack of opportunity.  This “not-so-subtle” reminder is often avoided or ignored but can affect our emotional and physical well-being. Fortunately, most of us have survived our share of stressful Monday mornings.

It’s easy to fall into a routine without fully appreciating the special moments that make up our lives. Too often, we squander our time by simply going through the motions of the day. Athletes do this frequently in their sport. Distracted professionals become satisfied with the status quo to the detriment of their personal growth. Parents juggle to-do lists of tedious activities. Spiritual believers drift away from their core beliefs. Days pass monotonously, and hump-day starts the weeks’ countdown that ends without any memorable significance. But waiting for weekends to feel alive is not how to get out of a rut.

Life is too short to settle for simply going through the motions, prompting a mindset that requires a reset. Make each day count by investing your resources in things that bring joy, fulfillment, and growth. One of the best ways to do this is by shifting focus from ourselves to others. This doesn’t require a complete overhaul but merely asks us to make small, intentional changes—like reaching out to a friend, offering help to a colleague, listening to those mourning, and being present with those lonely.

Don’t wait for a siren or statistic to remind you of the enormous value you can bring to those who need help. Each of you has unlimited potential to make a difference, but limited time to do so. Act now, and make every moment count.

Do you know somebody who would enjoy receiving these inspirational messages? Have them join my email list by signing up at www.bobbykocol.com/blog.