Excellence in all we do includes time for self

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Richard
  • 341st Security Forces Squadron first sergeant
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFPN) --  Service before self is probably the hardest of the Air Force core values to define. However, it doesn’t mean service in spite of self.

How can someone emphasize service before self too much? Here are few examples: coming to work on a wing family day to do routine work that could wait; always volunteering to be the point of contact for a tasking when there are others willing and able to perform the required tasks; or allowing yourself to lose leave at the end of the year.

When we over-emphasize service before self, in spite of our self, we hinder another core value, excellence in all we do.

Each one of us, Air Force leaders and members, have a responsibility to ensure our people do the right things to take care of themselves. When the wing has a family day, make it a point to ensure you and your people spend time with family and friends.

Leaders have a responsibility for the development of the people under them. If we consistently volunteer to be the point of contact for projects, we run the risk of not developing the people under us. Give others the opportunity to volunteer.

Make it a priority for you and your people to take leave each year. Air Force officials believe strongly in the importance of having Airmen use their leave throughout the year so they can relax and re-energize. Why do you think they give you 30-days of leave each year? You’ve earned them, don’t lose them.

The Air Force demands your best each day. If you are not doing the things you need to take care of yourself, the mission will suffer. Our people, by nature, are driven and are going to put the mission before themselves. Sometimes they may need a nudge to take care of themselves also.

Now the holiday season is upon us and soon it will be a new year. Take this holiday season as an opportunity to relax with family and friends. Maybe a good New Year’s resolution would be to find a good balance between service and self.

Here are a couple of things you can resolve to do next year. Make time for physical, mental and spiritual fitness and take time to enjoy your family and friends. If you do these things, you will have service before self and won’t be doing service in spite of self.