Do You Have Any Plans?

Will you join me?

“Dad, do you want the door open or closed?” I said, “Closed, please.”

“Mom, why does Dad do that,” asked our oldest daughter, McKay. “Yeah, why does he, Mom?” Through the window beside the door, I could hear all six kids wanting to know what was up with that.

My wife said, “You know Dad works very hard for us all year, right? Well, he found a way to ensure he accomplishes the most important things.” The chorus asked, “What is it?” My wife said, “Spend more time with us, sillies.”

Time

It’s the most precious thing we have. Once spent, it can’t be taken back or returned to be spent on something else. No, time is very important. I’ve written about time before. Given the number of clocks in our home and how I ensure the train (me) runs on time, people would think I’m obsessed. I’m not.

Let’s say I’m aware and always looking for better ways to spend less and get more.

The Ask

Would you like to know a few tips and tricks for managing your time? If so, please read on.

It’s important to understand that sometimes we must spend time to make time. Allow me to illustrate.

My System

You knew I went behind closed doors at the start, but to do what? Here it is:

I spend as many hours as it takes (not too many) between Christmas and New Year's Day to review the past year and plan for the next. Every year, I write in my journal my goals and ambitions (not a goal but more of a purpose) for the coming year. Here’s how they break down by my priorities in life:

1. My God — As I become more spiritually aware and understand my relationship, I become a better person. Not because of what I just wrote but because I pray, read, ponder, apply, and continually seek his guidance to be the person I want to be.
2. My Wife — She is my rock. Her strong relationship with the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren enforces OUR love for them. For her to do her best, she needs to know that I have her best interest at heart and that I’ll be there to help, asked or not.
3. My Children — When they were young, I ensured I made time for each and spent free time with each. They wanted and needed my support and the example I would set. Now, I’m more of a resource they can turn to. I’m someone who revels in and reinforces their success and helps them through their setbacks.
4. My Business — Well, I’m retired now, but this is where that priority stood out in my mind.
5. My friends — People I know who count on me, such as the other editors of Dancing Elephant Press, the members of our Cadillac Club, the homeless for whom I raise funds, and time to make new friends and acquaintances.

All of the above breaks down into many more moving parts. For this article, I’m going to talk about my wife and children, a.k.a. FAMILY.

Family

When I worked, I usually had a heavy travel schedule. My last large company was a not-for-profit in 55+ countries. My wife and I would coordinate our yearly, monthly, and weekly schedules and confirm daily to allow for sudden changes.

My overarching goal was to provide support and time to do what was important to them. I did not make choices in a vacuum. I spoke with everyone about my actions and how best to support them.

This was and still is the best possible use of my time.

Results

Today, I don’t just have years of notebooks filled with ideas, goals, and ambitions; I have solid memories. By the time my oldest child, Steve, was twelve, everyone understood how important the time I spent was to me and them.

Is this hardcore? A bit. Does it work? ABSOLUTELY.

Some writers and their work point to exactly what I’m addressing in this story. First up is the Dawn Ulmer story:

Then Garima Sharma offers a Poem to consider:

It’s a new year, and this story might be of help:

Thanks for reading,

✍ — I would greatly appreciate it if you commented to let me know you saw this post. Thank you!

©DR Rawson

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