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Redefining Work and Success: A Personal Journey
This morning, as I awoke before 4 AM and indulged in the quiet of my dream home, sipping coffee and working out on my custom-built outdoor turf under the early lights, I reflected on the concept of "work." What I do daily—managing emails, strategizing with my team, riding my Peloton, and juggling Zoom calls—some might label as "work." Yes, it involves effort, and sure, there are moments of frustration, but to me, it's a dream realized—a life I once thought unattainable.
There was a time when the life I lead today was just a figment of my imagination, something I barely allowed myself to desire. Now, as I consider the next version of myself, I see these dreams not as fantasies, but as previews of what is surely to come. The key to this transformative vision? Reframing.
Reframing Your Current Situation
1. Identify and Appreciate Your Progress: What you call "work" is what many, including a past version of yourself, might consider a dream job. Realizing this can shift your perspective from seeing daily tasks as chores to viewing them as privileges and opportunities.
2. Craft Your Ideal Life: If your life isn’t matching your "dream" criteria, take it as a sign to start designing your ideal existence. Be detailed. Envision what each day would look like, decide what activities fill your hours, what jobs you undertake, and what you must let go. This blueprint will serve as a foundation for your new reality.
3. Serve Rather Than Be Served: As a business owner, I've shifted from a mindset of oversight to one of support. My job isn't to micromanage but to facilitate my team’s needs—providing them with the right tools, freedom, and clear communication. Remember, if there’s a bottleneck, it likely starts with you. Don't be that bottleneck.
4. Use Time Wisely: Time is fleeting. Acknowledging this, I meticulously plan my week to ensure every moment counts—from strategic planning with my team to undisturbed family dinners. It's not about filling every second with work, but about prioritizing moments that enhance both my life and those around me.
I make it a point to clearly block out personal time, such as Tuesday night from 5 to 8 PM exclusively for dinner with my daughter, marked boldly as "Do Not Schedule." Similarly, this Friday my sister and her kids come to stay with us. This Friday night is blocked out for an outdoor movie and grilling dinner. During these times, my phone is off. I am fully present, valuing these moments above all else.
Today, as I navigate my responsibilities and the rapid pace of business life, I do so with a restructured view on work and success. It's about quality, not quantity. By reframing my perspective, designing my life with precision, and prioritizing time for what truly matters, I am not only achieving success but also cultivating happiness and fulfillment in all spheres of life.
This is the essence of living—not just for oneself but for what one can create and share with others.
