I tend to read at least two hours every evening. I find that reading is more productive and useful than watching endless banter on political programs or most other TV productions. This time allows me to read quite a few books.  Of course, some are better than others.

Sometimes I re-read some of the best books two or three times to take better notes that I did the first time through. For example, when you see a well-done movie several times; you start picking up things that you glossed over or missed the first time through. By watching the movie again, you pick up on nuances and other information.

There is no shortage of training material, including the material on our Business Proverbs site. The training articles on this site and others are man-written.  King David wrote, “praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1, NIV)

 When I read business books, articles or engage in training; I ask the Lord in advance to show me important takeaways. I want to remember the parts that will advance my business and the parts that will lead to righteous business execution. Often, we think it’s the next training, seminar or book that will move our business forward.  However, David reminds us that it is the Lord who trains our hands and fingers. The Lord is the Good Teacher who will give us the insights we need better than any human can.

Ask the Lord for his guidance and training every day. You will be amazed at the what God and God alone will provide.

I have always thought of watches as a timepiece.  Since I like to be on time, I’ve used many different watches that were created to help me tell time. The first watch I can remember having was a Roy Rogers watch, which, if I still possessed it, would sell for $300 to $400.  Maybe it’s a reminder that we shouldn’t always throw old things away.

Over the years, watches have evolved into calendars and much more. I generally have bought inexpensive watches because I tended to knock them around a bit. I don’t think I’ve ever paid much over one hundred dollars for a watch, generally less.

One of the most difficult aspects of business, and life, is to put aside problems and concerns once the worst has happened. In the past, I’ve lost customers despite every conceivable step I took to keep the customer. I hate losing customers.  It’s not easy for me to shake off the disappointment.

David gave us an example in scripture after one of his children died.

Several years ago, a newsletter called Early to Rise summarized six key habits for success in the business world:

• Showing up on time
• Paying close attention to assignments
• Doing more than the required minimum
• Struggling with difficult tasks
• Organizing tasks by priorities

These habits are equally necessary today.  Customers and businesses need reliable workers who will be available at the agreed time. Here are my experiences with some of these key habits.