For over 10 years I have been writing a column on secrets that keep
a relationship blissful. One month I didn't write one. I wasn't
sick. I wasn't away on vacation. But I did have a good reason.
I have enough work to keep me busy for 16 hours a day if I choose
to devote myself that long to my career. There are books to write,
interviews to give, a website to update, personal appearances to
make, email to answer and so on. If I'm not careful, I can let my
career become my life.
I was doing some remodeling on the house and I had a deadline to meet
before the drywall went up. Other activities and duties began piling
up like a super tall order of pancakes. I soon realized something
would have to be neglected if I tried to do everything on my work
"to do" list.
When I saw that I did not have enough time in the week to accomplish
everything I needed to get done, I began assessing my priorities.
If I tried to take care of everything on my To Do list, I wouldn't
have much time to spend with Athena. While I love and care for my
nearly 100,000+ subscribers of this Secrets of Blissful Relationships
mailing list, I love Athena more. I could spend two to three hours
alone in my office writing, editing and assembling the column or
I could spend that time laughing, talking and playing with my wife
Athena and my children. I guess you know the outcome.
I wish I could say I always make the right decision between time
spent working and time spent with my family. For those of us
who have jobs we love (or at least find somewhat enjoyable) it is
easy to let our careers careen our lives. We find satisfaction in
finishing a work project on time or meeting and exceeding company
(or personal) goals. If we work long hours we get the respect and
admiration of our boss and peers for our "dedication and sacrifice."
Men especially derive a sense of pride for being able to provide
well for their families.
But if you want even more respect and admiration, have a blissful
relationship. There are few things more inspiring than a person
who makes it known that any extra time at work means less time with
those he or she loves. One who risks career advancement for family
advancement should be a star in everyone's eyes.
It is often easy to work too much at the office because there we
have specific goals and projects to finish while we rarely have
concrete goals in regard to family time. If you are goal oriented,
and want something to try to meet and exceed, here are just a
few things you can aim for. Consider making up a monthly chart
(or having your kids do it) to track your progress.
Our Family-time Goals
Spend "x" hours of quality time each day/week with the family
for an entire month.
Make it home on time for dinner every night this week
Work no more than "x" hours of overtime the whole month
Get all the kids in bed by ______ p.m. every night so you and
your spouse can spend at least 1 solid hour of together time talking
(no TV or serious distractions)
No more than "x" hours the television/internet can be on during
family time
Cut our family expenses by "x" percent so I or my mate can work
"x" less hours each week
And one final goal -- write down your goals this week!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
How to Know if a Man Really Loves You
7 Simple Questions that Prove How He REALLY Feels
Answer these questions and you will INSTANTLY
know if any guy is a keeper... or needs to be tossed.
http://www.TheRomantic.com/7questions.htm
a relationship blissful. One month I didn't write one. I wasn't
sick. I wasn't away on vacation. But I did have a good reason.
I have enough work to keep me busy for 16 hours a day if I choose
to devote myself that long to my career. There are books to write,
interviews to give, a website to update, personal appearances to
make, email to answer and so on. If I'm not careful, I can let my
career become my life.
I was doing some remodeling on the house and I had a deadline to meet
before the drywall went up. Other activities and duties began piling
up like a super tall order of pancakes. I soon realized something
would have to be neglected if I tried to do everything on my work
"to do" list.
When I saw that I did not have enough time in the week to accomplish
everything I needed to get done, I began assessing my priorities.
If I tried to take care of everything on my To Do list, I wouldn't
have much time to spend with Athena. While I love and care for my
nearly 100,000+ subscribers of this Secrets of Blissful Relationships
mailing list, I love Athena more. I could spend two to three hours
alone in my office writing, editing and assembling the column or
I could spend that time laughing, talking and playing with my wife
Athena and my children. I guess you know the outcome.
I wish I could say I always make the right decision between time
spent working and time spent with my family. For those of us
who have jobs we love (or at least find somewhat enjoyable) it is
easy to let our careers careen our lives. We find satisfaction in
finishing a work project on time or meeting and exceeding company
(or personal) goals. If we work long hours we get the respect and
admiration of our boss and peers for our "dedication and sacrifice."
Men especially derive a sense of pride for being able to provide
well for their families.
But if you want even more respect and admiration, have a blissful
relationship. There are few things more inspiring than a person
who makes it known that any extra time at work means less time with
those he or she loves. One who risks career advancement for family
advancement should be a star in everyone's eyes.
It is often easy to work too much at the office because there we
have specific goals and projects to finish while we rarely have
concrete goals in regard to family time. If you are goal oriented,
and want something to try to meet and exceed, here are just a
few things you can aim for. Consider making up a monthly chart
(or having your kids do it) to track your progress.
Our Family-time Goals
Spend "x" hours of quality time each day/week with the family
for an entire month.
Make it home on time for dinner every night this week
Work no more than "x" hours of overtime the whole month
Get all the kids in bed by ______ p.m. every night so you and
your spouse can spend at least 1 solid hour of together time talking
(no TV or serious distractions)
No more than "x" hours the television/internet can be on during
family time
Cut our family expenses by "x" percent so I or my mate can work
"x" less hours each week
And one final goal -- write down your goals this week!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
How to Know if a Man Really Loves You
7 Simple Questions that Prove How He REALLY Feels
Answer these questions and you will INSTANTLY
know if any guy is a keeper... or needs to be tossed.
http://www.TheRomantic.com/7questions.htm
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