You may not realize it. You may never think about it. You may not even acknowledge that you have it. The reality, however, is that all of us possess it. It is influence. Good or bad, your life impacts others. You walk into a room singing and smiling. Influence. You slam your fist on a desk and kick the dog. Influence. You detach and hide from everyone you know. Influence. There is always someone on the other side of what you say, how you say, what you do, how you do it. They are there. Some are waiting for your story of overcoming setbacks. Others are waiting for your listening ear, your devoted friendship, your uncompromising integrity. They are there waiting for you and when you show up you are bringing influence. Good or Bad.

Daily Essentials, Principles for Life Management is written to help shape your influence. A person who lives by the code of "being there for others" makes a great friend. On the other hand, would you want a teammate motivated by "doing unto others before they do unto me?" Have you ever considered that the principles you embrace directly impact your influence upon others? Good or Bad. Consider the following principles: "a penny saved is a penny earned," "turn an inconvenience into an adventure," "don't let your past define your future," "never fight fire with fire." and "seek to be understood not heard." All these principles multiply your influence for good. Of course, there are plenty of negative values that drive unforgiveness, criticism, greed, and every sort of evil influence. The choice is ours. We will show up for those waiting on us and fully influence them by the principles of life we live.

The stories, illustrations, and encounters contained in this book are the principles that shaped my life, my marriage, my family, my business, and my character. They are shared because I had a sense you were waiting for me. You needed to know someone lived through hardship. You had questions about conflict. You were looking for some laughter. There is no science, no educational accomplishment, or supernatural revelations that would support my thoughts. However, this is who I am. This is my story. These are my beliefs and behaviors.