A life of service, arguably the most rewarding form of appreciation.

To serve at will is often considered to be the highest form of appreciation, as it involves putting the needs of others before our own and making a conscious effort to make a positive impact in the world. But let's be real, making the decision to serve isn't always easy. We've all been there – sitting on the couch, scrolling through social media, trying to convince ourselves that it's okay to skip volunteering at the local soup kitchen just this once. But as we all know, the first decision we make each day can set the tone for the rest of our day and ultimately shape the course of our lives. So, how can we use the first decision as a tool to help us make the decision to serve at will? One way to use the first decision as a tool is to make the decision to serve the first priority of each day.

This could involve setting aside time in the morning to volunteer at a local charity, or making a commitment to check in with a friend or loved one who may be struggling (physically or mentally). By making the decision to serve the first thing we do each day, we can set a positive tone for the rest of the day and start off on the right foot. Plus, you'll get that "I did something good today" feeling out of the way early on, so you can enjoy the rest of your day guilt-free.

Another way to use the first decision as a tool is to use it to guide our actions and plans throughout the day. For example, if we are in a position of leadership at work, we could use the first decision as a tool to prioritise the needs of our team. (This is something that I feel daily standups actually help to achieve). This could involve taking the time to listen to their concerns and ideas, or making decisions that prioritise the well-being and success of the team. By using the first decision in this way, we single out our intentions, we can show our appreciation for others and contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment. Plus, let's be real – who doesn't love being the office hero?

Finally, we can use the first decision as a tool to make choices to serve that align with our values and beliefs. For example, if we believe in the importance of social justice, we could use the first decision as a tool to make choices that support social justice causes(free at last, free at last!!). This could involve donating to organisations that work on social justice issues, or volunteering our time and resources to support these causes for change. By using the first decision in this way, we can show our appreciation for the important work being done to address social justice issues and make a tangible difference in the world. Plus, you'll get the added bonus of feeling like you're actually doing something to make the world a better place – and who doesn't want that? So, next time you're faced with the decision to serve at will, remember that using the first decision as a tool can help you make the choice with intent, that is both fulfilling, rewarding and meaningful. Whether you choose to serve through volunteering, through your career, or in other ways, the decision to serve at will can be a rewarding and enriching experience that brings lasting benefits to both yourself and those around you. Just remember – the first decision is a powerful thing, so use it wisely!