Why vote?

Duty must override enthusiasm. A sober assessment must overcome ambivalence, confusion, and fear mongering.

The water cooler discussion concludes with, "I don't identify with the candidates," therefore, I am not going to vote. The convenient option of an agreement is not available tomorrow. We are required to do the hard work and make a decision with known facts.

Every day hundreds of decisions made. Major decisions demand much energy to conduct proper research. Many have made tomorrow's decision daily since the campaigns started and it hasn't gotten any easier. Memories of the flippant Brexit voters on the evening news, flash through the mind's eye, driving home the need to make a perfect choice.

The campaigns chose to epitomize gutter politics. We can choose differently.

At least 1,319,943 military men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice, from the Revolutionary days of 1776 to present day. Millions more went missing or were injured. Millions more returned home to build families and strengthen this country.

This Friday, the US celebrates Veterans Day, honoring those that have served the country through military service. It is fitting that tomorrow, we exercise a freedom that is unique in world history.

Our soldiers have spilled their crimson blood on foreign soil, allowing burqa-covered women in Iraq to raise a purple thumb to demonstrate their gratitude.

You and I must enter the polling booth and do the heavy lifting required to deliver the decision the country demands.

Your voice matters, and it is time to earn your "I voted" sticker.

What have you sacrificed for your ambition?

sac·ri·fice. noun
An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.

What is it that you are giving up? When the perfect partner came into your life,  was it the time with the fellas at the bar or girls night out? Did the newborn beat out all other competition? The latest job includes intense pressure to produce and requires more hours at the office and family time is set aside?

Frank discussion is the intention, not guilt.

I ran a handyman business on the side for seven years. Family discussions about late evenings or entire weekends away to make extra bucks were difficult.

I tried to make the most of the opportunity by bringing my son along to spend time with him, teach a trade and work ethic, and the need for another set of hands. Recently, he was reflecting on the experience and stated it would have been nice to take a weekend off each month vice working every weekend carrying drywall or solving plumbing issues.

Weekends at home were rare. Driving through neighborhoods, I would witness dads throwing a ball with their sons in the backyard on a lazy Saturday afternoon and would long for the same opportunity.

Anything of great value includes a sacrifice, and the fruits of our ambition demand nothing less.

What is the downside of your ambition? Clueless about the latest TV shows and movies? Is the beer belly shrinking due to less time at the local watering hole? Missed birthdays or weddings? Carrying bags under your eyes from a sleep deficit?

In hindsight, some are easier to justify than others. No one ever said changing the world is easy or painless.

Going Deeper: What ambition proved to be worth the sacrifice? What is your process for making the determination to give yourself wholly to your idea? What did you learn from an ambition that didn't turn out as desired? How does this experience inform your future