Leading and Love

We know a family who has two beautiful children, an older boy and a younger girl. The older one has developmental challenges. The father had expressed that he felt robbed of his relationship with his son. For him, a lot of the typical father-son experiences are a struggle. Despite the challenges, he showed us just how relentless he is about spending time with his children. Regardless of what we think is important, the question of “What matters most right now?” should always be top of mind.

Does your son need to speak to you about the way you made him feel? Is your daughter trying to show you her creativity? Is your spouse feeling overwhelmed about an experience she had? These things can’t wait and they shouldn’t be put on the to-do list. They should be on the “emergency-gotta-get-this-done-faster-than-immediately” list. These are examples of the things that matter most.

Idea #1

Your list of unfinished projects might continue to accumulate but the regret will be minimal if you always pay attention to what matters most. Time waits for no one and your children will continue to grow while unfinished projects will eventually lose their value. The further you are away from them day-to-day is the further from you they will be when they get older. The further you are away from your spouse day-to-day, eventually you will become strangers to each other. As you continue knocking off your projects, be careful you are not knocking off your most valuable relationships.

Idea #2

Our priorities are usually based on the results of past decisions or experiences. Missing out on a job offer might cause you to now work longer hours or enroll in more training. You are motivated to not miss out on the next opportunity. All of these reduce the amount of time you have in the day. Because you are invested in these activities, you feel as though they are the most important to you and those closest to you.

Quote #1

“Tennis is just a game, family is forever.” - Serena Williams

Quote #2

“I'm a father; that's what matters most. Nothing matters more.” - Gordon Brown

Quote #3

“Failure in your company is not failure in life. Failure in your relationship is.” - Ev Williams

Challenge

Before you say “Wait a minute!” to your spouse or child, give them a minute to share, then give them a time when you will address their issue.

Affirmation

I will devote my time to invaluable things.