Do you remember when you were back in school and the teacher passed back your test grade?  If you were like me, I was always nervous and quite protective of my grade.  If it was a good grade, I would leave the test out on my desk face up so all could see. If it was bad I would flip it over so no one could tell.  This same scenario would also happen with report cards.  Of course, grades, reports, and evaluations still go on. They are now called job performance reviews, evaluations, and salary reviews.  They have fancy names and bonuses or salary raises are usually attached.  If you are not doing well, they even have corrective action plans.  Remember how good you felt about yourself when you received a good report?  Now comes the tough part.  What about the areas in which you do not receive a scheduled periodic review?

Some of the most important things in life we never get graded on, but probably should.  How would you act if you received a written grade on:

§   Your marriage?

§   Your role as a father/mother?

§   Your spiritual life?

Those are big issues, but what about smaller ones, which are also important?

§   Showing appreciation or saying thank you

§   Making your bed or cleaning the house

§   Calling a friend

I know that I would work much harder at these things if I knew I was getting a grade.
 

Take some time today and ask those important to you what your grade is and, if necessary, what do you need to do to improve it.  When you get a good grade from your spouse, it feels ever better than an “A” lying on top of your desk!