George Fandos writes, "While it's a cliche to say, 'I work to live not live to work,' it is an important starting point for me. Once that priority is set, then you begin to ask why am I here, what is my life for? … From there, your priorities for career, family, self, friends, etc. become easier to manage since you've got a bigger vision that you're moving towards."

Gary Brooks with Grubb & Ellis in Oklahoma City suggests an interesting experiment. "Ask professionals in business to write down their top five priorities IN ORDER. Then ask them to write down what their family/close friends/colleagues would say are their top five priorities IN ORDER. Surprisingly, you'll find that the list is usually completely reversed."

Martha Paschal writes, "I develop affordable housing through my work with a non-profit in the Washington DC metro area. It's challenging and demands imagination because resources are scarce, and it's desperately needed. … I wouldn't trade this job for the world!"

Sales consultant John Klymshyn also believes that passion is the key. "I love what I do. That passion spills over to my personal life and my relationships. And it gets me going again every morning."

To end on a humorous note, Carla Lindstrom with NAI Capital Commercial in Newport Beach writes, "I never begin the business day without reading the comic strips first." … Yes. Smiling makes me feel better, too.

--Peter Pike