Do you spend more time commuting to work than spending time with your family?

Do you eat breakfast in your car on a regular basis?

Have you shaved, combed your hair, applied makeup, or brushed your teeth(!) in the car this week?

Do you call into work during vacation “just to check in”?

Have you found yourself forgetting to take your necktie off when you get home?

Have you answered your home phone like you were at work any time in the past month?

The pressures of the workplace today can be all consuming. The reality today is that the work on your plate will always be there; there will always be one more thing you can do. This will not change IF YOU ATTACK IT NOW OR LATER. Understanding this is paramount to maintaining balance. The company will take all you have, say thank you, and maybe “pat you on the back”. In contrast, is it worth:

Missing the smile of a loved one?

Missing the joy of your child’s first basketball three-pointer? How about having to answer “no” to ‘Did you see that Mom/Dad?’

Missing the opportunity to hold your spouses hand?

Losing yourself?

Reflect on what you want to be. Understand that every choice you make is not only a definition of what your co-workers and peers will think of you, but what your family thinks as well – even if they are unaware of the particulars. In light of this, would you be making the same decisions you are today?

Bob McGannon is Vice-President of Mindavation, a company providing project management training and consulting, leadership workshops and team building programs worldwide. Bob can be contacted via the web at www.mindavation.com or by calling 866-888-MIND (6463).

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