Monday Morning Musings
Volume XXIV, Number 42 (Issue 1203) October 19, 2026
It Began as Random Thoughts at 4:00 AM
Two and one-half hours later it read like this:
I want to be successful – however I choose to define success. A big part of that includes being a good spouse and partner to Sandy, a good father to our kids and Papa to our grandkids. Another part of that is helping individuals and organizations transform their potential into performance. That became my mission thirty years ago and applies to me as well. I know I am far from finished.
I want to be worthy of and therefore treated with respect.
I want to be made to feel important even though I am not.
I want to be loved.
I want to feel and be secure.
I want to be trusted.
I want to be appreciated for who I am and the things I do.
I want to use my gifts to the best of my ability.
I want to know and fulfill God’s plan for my life.
What I do not want is for others to waste my time. I am perfectly capable of doing that myself. For the same reason I should/must respect your time. I must also respect your opinion though it may differ from my own.
I can be most successful by serving and supporting others. By being a friend. By usings my talents for good. In other words, by making others feel respected, important, safe, cared for, trusted, appreciated…
In attending to the above I must be mindful it is foolish and self-centered (egotistical) for me to project my values and wants on to others. Nonetheless, what I want for you is these things and more.
How can I accomplish these things?
By listening for understanding
By paying attention.
By prioritizing the needs and wants of others.
By meeting others where they are.
By serving and respecting others.
Zig Ziglar said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want.” Heard and understood!
In saying all of this I will admit I have not always understood and practiced these things with any degree of regularity. But I want and look forward to being a much better version of myself.
Soli Deo Gloria
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” Luke 12:18-20
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
Transforming Potential into Unmatched Performance
Copyright 2026 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are both welcomed and encouraged.