Preparing for the week ahead holds more influence than we often give it credit for. Whether it’s through quiet reflection, a spark of inspiration, or the simple act of setting clear intentions, the time we invest before the week begins can shape the tone and energy of our Monday — and ultimately, the entire week. It’s like hitting a mental reset button, giving ourselves the space to recharge with positivity, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose.

But it’s not just about setting the tone for ourselves. It’s also about setting the pace for others — those who look to us for guidance, those who depend on us for support, and those who observe us more closely than we may know. Whether in our personal lives or professional environments, we’re always setting an example. And sometimes, the impact of that example becomes strikingly clear in the most unexpected places.

I recall a moment that happened about eight years ago. I was at the grocery store when I noticed a young girl, probably no older than three or four, trailing behind her father with one of those mini shopping carts for kids. She was concentrating hard, pushing her cart while keeping pace with her dad. Then something caught my attention — she was making all sorts of scrunched-up, exaggerated angry faces.

After a few seconds, her father turned around and asked, through a chuckle, why she was making such mean-looking faces. Without hesitation and still contorting her face into deeper scowls, she responded matter-of-factly: “I’m just trying to look like everyone else in the store!”

That moment hit me. Out of the mouths of babes, right? It was funny, sure — but it was also revealing. This little girl was mimicking what she saw around her. And what she saw, consciously or not, was a store full of people who looked frustrated, tired, maybe even overwhelmed. She wasn’t born with a scowl — she copied one. And just like that, I was reminded: we are always being watched, and we are always influencing.

This lesson extends far beyond the grocery store aisle. It applies directly to how we lead in business and life. The generations coming up behind us — our teams, our children, our future leaders — are watching how we carry ourselves. They’re picking up on more than just our words. They notice our tone, our facial expressions, how we handle conflict, how we treat others, and how we show up each day.

As leaders within our organizations, it’s on us to model the behaviors we want to see repeated. We must show respect, exude optimism, demonstrate patience, and engage with empathy. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect — but it is about being intentional. Because when we lead with positivity, professionalism, and purpose, we give others permission to do the same.

This type of leadership creates a culture that’s not only healthier and more collaborative — it’s also more sustainable. A culture where problems are addressed early, where employees feel valued, and where customers feel the difference. In contrast, environments lacking this intentional leadership often face the same fate: high employee turnover, disengaged teams, and dissatisfied customers. These symptoms chip away at revenue, profitability, and ultimately, long-term success. And make no mistake — turning that ship around is far harder than steering it right in the first place.

As you prepare for a new week, think about what kind of tone you’ll establish — not just for yourself, but for your team, your family, and your business. Every interaction is an opportunity. Every moment is a chance to model what excellence looks like. It starts with awareness, continues with consistency, and becomes legacy through repetition.

How will you set a positive example this coming week?

The choice is yours… Just remember, others are watching.

Make the week ahead a great week. Make it happen. Make it count.

About the Author

Paul Segreto brings over four decades of hands-on experience in franchising, restaurants, and small business development. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, Paul has guided countless individuals on their journey to success, whether they are established entrepreneurs or just beginning to explore the path of business ownership.

Named one of the Top 100 Global Franchise and Small Business Influencers, Paul is also the voice behind the Acceler8Success Cafe, a daily content platform where thousands of entrepreneurs gain insight and motivation. A lifelong advocate for ethical growth and brand integrity, Paul continues to coach founders, franchise leaders, and entrepreneurial families, helping them find clarity in chaos and long-term success through intentional leadership.

Ready to take your next step in business or looking for expert insight to overcome today’s challenges? Reach out directly to Paul at paul@acceler8success.com — your path to success may be one conversation away.

About Acceler8Success Group

Acceler8Success Group is a multifaceted business advisory platform committed to empowering entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchise professionals, and industry leaders through strategic consulting, coaching, and curated content.

With a strong focus on entrepreneurship, franchising, restaurants, and small business growth, Acceler8Success Group delivers actionable insights and real-world strategies across its suite of brands, including the following:

Acceler8Success,  FranchiseReclaim,  OwnABizness.com,  Accelerate Success Coaching,  Your Entrepreneurial Success, and relaunching soon, Franchise Foundry.

By blending deep industry expertise with a dynamic content ecosystem, Acceler8Success Group fosters sustainable success and responsible leadership for today’s innovators and tomorrow’s legacy builders.