Growing up, I vaguely remember this lamp in my grandparent’s home. I remember it being a curiosity in my mind.

Once my grandparents died, my parents acquired numerous pieces of their furniture, including the lamp.

From that day forward, my Dad insisted I take it after his death. When I kept turning him down, he turned his attention to pressing one of his grandchildren to take it.

The truth is, none of us wanted the lamp.

For him, though, he remembered seeing the lamp in his grandparent’s home, and he wanted it to remain in the family.

My Dad valued family and thought the memories would stay alive by passing along the possessions and traditions of the past generations.

My Dad didn’t understand how our values are different than his.

One day, we had a conversation, and I helped my Dad understand our point of view and how the lamp would not be a part of our lives.

From that point forward, he stopped asking about me taking the lamp. In fact, after his death, I found someone who wanted it and had a special place in his home for it.

In your leadership and life, where are the places you’re trying to pressure others into conforming to something you value?

While your values are always guiding you, what impact are your values having on others?

What stuff are you hanging on to?

You’ve got this.