Start with Your People

1. Prioritize People: The Foundation of Success

Every day, we have a choice. We make a decision whether to start with our people each and every day.

People over projects. The core message of the book is a call to shift from a project-first to a people-first mindset. This means intentionally prioritizing relationships and service to others in all aspects of life, from work to home. The author's personal journey of realizing he was prioritizing tasks over people led to a transformative change in his life and business.

Daily decision. Starting with people is a daily decision that requires conscious effort and intentionality. It's about seeing the people in your life, understanding their needs, and actively seeking ways to serve them. This approach changes the way we work, lead, and relate to others.

Purpose and profit. By putting people first, we unlock clarity of purpose, develop a plan for daily practice, and create a path to profit. This leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life, where we serve others with joy and deference.

2. Work: Serving Clients and Valuing Your Team

Everything you want begins by serving your ideal client.

Client-centric approach. In the workplace, starting with people means focusing on serving your ideal client. This involves understanding their needs, solving their problems, and helping them achieve their dreams. By becoming a professional problem solver, you can find joy and purpose in your work.

Dream team mindset. It also means valuing your team members and seeing them as your dream team. Getting to know them, understanding their motivations, and helping them succeed can foster unity and improve overall performance. Clear expectations and open communication are essential for effective teamwork.

Supporting your boss. Your boss is your number one client, and your job is to help them look awesome. By understanding their priorities and supporting their vision, you can build trust and advance your career.

3. Home: Nurturing Your Closest Relationships

Your spouse can become your secret superpower.

Spouse as superpower. The book challenges the notion that a spouse is an obstacle to achieving dreams. Instead, it proposes that a spouse can be a secret superpower, providing support, encouragement, and valuable perspective. This requires open communication, shared goals, and a commitment to praying together.

Kids as legacy. Children should be seen as a legacy, not a liability. While parenting can be challenging, it also provides an opportunity to instill values, set a positive example, and create a loving home environment.

Setting the tone. Parents have the power to set the tone of their home, creating a space where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to pursue their passions.

4. Friends: Cultivating a Supportive Network

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Mastermind groups. A mastermind group is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It provides a supportive environment where members can share their struggles, celebrate their wins, and set tangible goals.

Growth vs. broken-wing friends. It's important to distinguish between growth friends, who encourage you to level up, and broken-wing friends, who drain your energy and hold you back. While compassion is important, it's also necessary to set boundaries and prioritize relationships that support your growth.

Building your tribe. Finding your tribe involves joining online communities, attending industry conferences, and hosting in-person meetups. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

5. Turning Adversaries into Advocates

By considering her perspective and taking responsibility for my actions and their consequences, intended or not, I was set free.

Difficult people are everywhere. The book acknowledges that dealing with difficult people is an inevitable part of life. However, it offers strategies for turning adversaries into advocates by clearing the air, involving a third party, and keeping the door open for reconciliation.

Compassion and forgiveness. Even when dealing with challenging individuals, it's important to show compassion and offer forgiveness. This can lead to unexpected transformations and the building of stronger relationships.

Setting boundaries. It's also crucial to set boundaries and protect yourself from toxic relationships. This may involve pausing the relationship or moving forward with clear intentions.

6. The Power of a People-First Money Mindset

Money is a tool.

Money as a tool. Money should be viewed as a tool to fulfill dreams and support the people in your life. It's not inherently good or evil, but rather a means to an end.

Abundance vs. scarcity. A people-first money mindset embraces abundance, recognizing that there are enough resources for everyone to succeed. This contrasts with a scarcity mindset, which believes that only one person can win.

Overcoming limiting beliefs. Many of us have limiting beliefs about money that stem from our upbringing and past experiences. By challenging these beliefs and adopting a more positive and empowering mindset, we can unlock new opportunities and create a more prosperous future.

7. Profitable Purpose: Where Passion Meets Service

You already know your purpose. Just look around at the people in your life. See where they’re stuck? Help them get unstuck. Start with your people. People are your purpose.

The four pieces. Discovering your profitable purpose involves identifying the intersection of your work, demand, passion, and reach. When these four elements align, you can create a fulfilling and impactful career.

Serving your people. Your profitable purpose should be centered around serving your people. This means understanding their needs, solving their problems, and helping them achieve their goals.

Mirror Manifesto. Creating a Mirror Manifesto can provide clarity and confidence in your purpose. This statement should articulate who you serve, what you help them do, and what you receive in return.

8. Taking Action: Small Steps, Big Impact

The decision that changes everything is to start with your people.

Consistency is key. The book emphasizes the importance of taking consistent action, even in small ways. These small steps can compound over time to create significant results.

Daily habits. Establishing daily habits that align with your values and goals is essential for living a people-first lifestyle. This may involve learning names, sending thank-you notes, speaking life-giving words, and sharing your resources.

Leveling up your life. To level up your life, take 100% responsibility, ask for help, and take action on what you're learning. By embracing these principles, you can create a more fulfilling and impactful life, centered around serving the people who matter most.

Last updated: March 17, 2025