Leadership Lesson 13 – Work-Life Balance is Critical

Last year, you were not able to have as many date nights with the spouse, you didn't get to all of the kids’ events, you never modified your diet, and that exercise program never quite got off the ground. You vow to do better next year and update "the list," so that January 1 you can hit the ground running. And a year passes. And the cycle repeats itself.

Folks here's a secret—ain't anybody going to get of this life alive. And the corollary to that secret is that, at some point in time in the future, you will look back on what you accomplished and what you wish you would have done. And when you look back, it's very, very unlikely that you're going to think: "Man, I sure wish I'd spent more time working and less time with my friends, family and passions." That brings us to rule #13:

Rule #13 - Have at least one passion outside the workplace that you pursue daily.

Now when it comes to talents related to music, I'm down there in the bottom 1%—I was one of the kids they would not even let touch an instrument. However, I'm always amazed by the ability of great musicians to deliver a message with their craft. On the topic of work life balance, Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" illustrates this point better than I ever could . . .

ACTION ITEM 13 - Head over to YouTube and listen to Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle." Now open your calendar. Block time on your calendar for a recurring event every day for your one (or more) passions. Make sure that under NO circumstances do you let anything supersede this item.