Life Rekindled

Sometimes, what frustrates you most can reveal what you value most.

Pay attention to the things that consistently bother you. Your frustrations may be pointing to something deeper.

For example:

• If dishonesty frustrates you, you may highly value integrity.

• If seeing potential wasted frustrates you, you may value growth and purpose.

• If unfairness bothers you, you may value justice and equality.

• If relationships are neglected, you may deeply value connection and commitment.

The things that frustrate us aren't always just annoyances.

Sometimes, they're clues.

What frustrates you—and what might that reveal about what you value?

MIke Bolton

Some of the hardest decisions in life aren't between something good and something bad.

They're between two good things.

When you're forced to choose, what guides your decision?

Your answer may reveal more about your values than you realize.

Take a look back at some of the hardest decisions you've made. What mattered most to you in those moments?

Your values are often revealed by what you're willing to choose—and what you're willing to let go of.

MIke Bolton

The people you admire may be telling you more about your values than you realize.

Mike has had the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by John C. Maxwell, someone he deeply admires.

But what is it that makes us admire certain people? Their character. Their leadership. Their perseverance. Their generosity. Their wisdom.

Often, the qualities we admire most in others point to values we hold - or want to grow - in our own lives.

So take a moment and think about someone you admire. What is it about them that you respect most?

Your answer might reveal more about your own values than you think.

Mike Debbie Oberkirsch Bolton Mike Bolton

What you protect often reveals what you value.

For 43 years, Debbie & I have made our marriage a priority - not just in what we say, but in the time, energy, and commitment we continue to invest in our relationship.

Our values are often revealed in the things we consistently protect.

Who or what are you making time to protect?

If someone looked at how you spend your time and energy, would they see the same values you say are important to you?

Mike Debbie Oberkirsch Bolton Mike Bolton

Investing in the next generation is never wasted.

Whether Mike is speaking to business leaders or encouraging bible college students, his heart remains the same: to equip, encourage and invest in people who will go on to influence others.

Because leadership isn't just about what we accomplish ourselves. It's also about the legacy we leave behind in the people we influence.

Through teaching, mentoring, and speaking, Mike continues to invest his experience and wisdom into the next generation - helping people grow in their leadership, discover their purpose, and step confidently into their future.

The impact we make today can continue long after we're gone.

Who has invested in you and how are you investing in someone else?

Mike Debbie Oberkirsch Bolton Mike Bolton

What can your proudest moments teach you about what you value?

One of those moments for me was completing the LA Marathon in 2023. Crossing that finish line was an accomplishment, but the accomplishment itself only tells part of the story.

Think about what it took to get there: the commitment, the discipline, the perseverance, the early mornings, and the decision to keep going when it would have been easier to stop. Those reveal something deeper.

Our proudest moments often point to the values that matter most to us.

So think about one of your proudest moments. Maybe it was a personal achievement, something you overcame, or a moment involving someone you love.

Now ask yourself: What value was being honoured in that moment?

Your life may already be telling you more about your values than you realize.

Mike Debbie Oberkirsch Bolton Mike Bolton

When we're behind or overwhelmed, our first instinct is often to add more people.

But Brooks's Law reminds us that more people don't always mean faster progress. New people need time to learn, communicate, and find their place—and sometimes adding more people can actually slow things down.

The right solution isn't always more hands. Sometimes it's better communication, clearer direction, or simplifying the work.

Life Rekindled Challenge:
The next time something feels overwhelming, pause before automatically adding more to the solution.

Ask yourself:
“What does this situation really need?”

Sometimes working smarter—not simply adding more—is the way forward.

Mike Debbie Oberkirsch Bolton Mike Bolton