For the past 30 years, Memorial Day weekend always found me, my brother, my dad, my nephew and several cousins enjoying our annual fishing get-away in Ontario. Wed drive about 8 hours to a beautiful lodge. We would fish for three days, wed eat a lot and we would share some fellowship that we didnt often get in the hectic real-world.

Its a weekend that all of us looked forward to all year. And after 30 years of staying at the same lodge, we got to know the owners and staff there too. Theyre old friends with whom we share a special bond, even though we only see them once a year.

But, this year was different.

For a variety of reasons, we decided to not go on our annual fishing trip this year. At first it was a hard decision. None of us wanted to be the first to suggest we break a 30-year tradition.

Instead of driving to Canada this Memorial Day weekend, I drove to Park Rapids with my wife and dogs and two nieces.

We had a great time.

So, even though I am somewhat saddened by breaking a 30 year family tradition, I was thrilled to spend time with my wife and nieces.

Its easy to get caught up in our traditions, our habits and our usual routine. And thats not necessarily a bad thing.

But, at the same time, change can be a good thing.

Breaking out of our routine and our traditions can help us experience new things we might have otherwise missed. It can help us see new ways to do things more effectively and often with more fun.

Every time we make a decision, we make a sacrifice. The sacrifice is all other paths we might have chosen.

But if we hold too tightly to our traditions and routines, we also make a sacrifice. We give up many opportunities that can enrich our lives and the lives of people we serve.

So, be willing to make some sacrifices in your routine so you can learn and experience new things. Break out of your habits and traditions once in awhile and walk a different path.

Youll be glad you did.

Kevin Stirtz

Kevin Stirtz helps people get more customers. He's been doing it for over 20 years and he's pretty good at it.

Kevin speaks to groups all over the USA and Canada. He writes a marketing column for a major business resource (AllBusiness.com) and in 2005 he published his first book, called, "Marketing for Smart People."

He is currently working on his second book which will be published during the fall of 2006.

When he's not helping people get more customers, you'll find Kevin spending time with his wife, his dogs and one or more of their many nieces and nephews who light up his life.

Kevin's favorite quote is:

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

-- Winston Churchill

Please call or email Kevin. He loves meeting new people. You can contact him at 952-212-4681 or via his website at KevinStirtz.com.