Reader

Years ago I heard an illustration (real or not I don't know) that sticks with me to this day.

It went like this:

Little Johnny said “Dad, how much do you make an hour?”

Dad “Why would you ask such a question?”

Little Johnny “Because I want to know how much I need to buy an hour of your time”.

OOOOOF.

There’s a huge difference between being home physically and being present mentally/emotionally.

Our family - wife… kids… feel the difference.

We do too.

What might it look like to put all distractions down more often when home? Or at the game? Recital? Etc.

Or, what excuses are you using on why you need to be so attached to your phone/ipad/computer?

I know this - we will never wish we worked more. Never.

We will never wish we were most absent. Or distracted. Or whatever.

I’ve worked with countless men now and it’s always a journey to find a healthier way to be successful while also being more present with those who matter most.

The 2 are not incompatible. Although most treat them as such.

Success doesnt require sacrificing your marriage… family… home… or yourself.

In fact, the healthier you are in marriage… at home… and personally has a direct impact on your success. Period.

But, you may not believe that. Yet.

Simply because too many men model the wrong “things” and say the wrong things regarding success being healthy.

A few thoughts or things to try:

1 - Don’t make your phone your 1st move in the morning. Just don’t. AND, if possible, don’t make it a move at all until a set time each morning.

2 - Designate areas in your home that are electronic free zones. One room? The dinner table (is an awesome one to try.). Bed.

3 - IF you really really have to take a call… reply to an email…etc. 1st ensure you’re being honest with yourself AND hold to it being ONLY ONE — not one that turns into 5 and more. AND, learn to make these one-offs an exception NOT the rule.

4 - Do the same at night. What time can you legitimately turn it off? Try it. You’ll find things aren’t nearly as dire as you make them out to be.

5 - Turn off buzzes… dings… notices…etc. AND especially disconnect them from your watch. How many times have you been in a meeting or at home and your watch notifies you of something… and your attention is gone now to said interruption.

6 - DND. Set your phone to DND at home OR at certain times. Your phone can bypass it if a true emergency happens. (Google it if you need to know this.) My phone is set to DND automatically when I’m home. It’s a preset.

Anyway… back to the opening.

What’s an hour of your time worth? How would your wife or kids answer that?

Reply - which of these are you willing to try? OR what comes to mind why you can’t try/do any of them? Reply and I’ll read it and also may create another email to help with your reply.

Stay strong.

Have you noticed the blue links below?
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— Bob

​P.S. Have you taken the FREE “Winning the Wrong Game” Diagnostic? It will show you the gap between success and fulfillment in your life and a step forward to live a more fulfilled life.

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