Photo: © D. Paul Graham, “Track Day”, Daytona International Speedway, 2024

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. 5 V’s in 3 Letters …..

The kids were literally bouncing with excitement on the infield of Daytona International Speedway. Friday night they watched a movie after the sunset. They camped in the infield and watched fireworks. On Saturday, they had just finished a track walk and were now up close to some incredible race cars, the teams, and the drivers. Not one of the kids seemed to even realize how cold it was. Every driver patiently signed autographs and answered questions with each child and their parents. The kids were given a VIP experience, at one of the greatest racetracks in the world, that won’t soon be forgotten. Later that afternoon, as I walked from corner to corner around the track, I mulled over the phrase “VIP”. Author Gordon McDonald wrote about the types of people we encounter that impact our lives. This morning’s M5T considers five types of “V” people that we all encounter, embrace, and perhaps even have to endure in life.

1. VIPs

Yes, that V. Very Important People. But not the kind that either pay for or are granted status because of where they are on a perceived social scale. True VIPs are the kind of people that understand your passion and do what they can to help you with your passions, your vision, and your dreams. They are loyal and can keep a secret. They are truthful with you in ways that others are not. They are the first to point out your strengths and will be the first to point out your weaknesses or your errors. In love. With honesty. VIP’s keep you grounded, focused, and won’t let you take yourself too seriously.

2. VNPs

Very Nice People. They are a pleasure to be around and are usually encouraging, but don’t necessarily understand your vision or your dream; nor do they necessarily want to. They like you for who you are and are not impressed by what you do or what you have. You enjoy their company, and they genuinely enjoy yours. They can be your biggest cheerleaders in life, but you need to be careful that your head doesn’t swell too much from their applause. You need to make sure you don’t overstep or take advantage of their ‘niceness’.

3. VTPs

Very Teachable People. As a leader, these people are important to have on your team. They want to be mentored, to learn and to grow. You often will open up your life with VTP’s in ways you don’t with others. The impact you have on VTP’s can be a part of your leadership legacy and can be truly transformative for the lives you will affect.

4. VDPs

Very Draining People. They sap your energy. They take more than they give. Their agenda is more often than not to simply take what they can from you, emotionally, physically, and your time. They are habitually negative and don’t want to see you succeed. They are quick to point out mistakes or problems but rarely offer up solutions.

5. VRPs

Very Resourceful People. VRP’s are rare; VIPs on steroids if you will. They will do what they can to see you succeed. They help you grow; they share their wisdom. They are strategic in their thinking, often genuinely inspirational, and can help you get things done. They recognize problems and they typically see and communicate solutions. They themselves are often mentors, coaches, and can be your greatest ‘V’ in good times and bad.

On this Monday, what sort of V will you choose to be this week? Here’s to a week of recognizing and surrounding yourself with the right V’s.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

M5T is now on South Magazine Digital ..… Read it here ….. https://www.southmag.com/category/health-and-wellness/

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com