Working Just Work
Often, as adults, we find ourselves working simply for the sake of it.
Weekends and late nights have become the norm as we strive to meet deadlines and complete tasks. Occasionally, such sacrifices are necessary. Take this Saturday morning. For example, I was up at 5 a.m. to ensure a truck was ready for training, a 45-minute drive away from home, and by 7 a.m. for a CDL trainer. And I already know I’ll be working late tonight, likely until about 8 p.m., just to wrap up the day.
However, this lifestyle isn’t part of my usual routine anymore. Days like today are rare occurrences. I make a concerted effort to power down my computer by 4:30 pm, unless my wife and kids are out and about, engaged in activities. In that case, I work until they return home, prioritizing quality time with them over just working.
On most days, I’m up bright and early, often by 4 a.m. or even earlier, ready to tackle tasks for a couple of hours. After that, it’s breakfast time with the family before they embark on their day. Then, I dive back into work, aiming to wrap up early in the afternoon to enjoy some quality time with my wife and kids. Every night, I make it a point to read to my children before bedtime and lead them in prayer. When you’re in charge of your own business, the temptation to work endlessly is always there. In the early years of my business, I even felt guilty taking breaks to have lunch with my family or assist my kids with their projects.
Now, it’s become a consistent part of my life, albeit one without a fixed routine.
I’ve established boundaries that prioritize God and my family above all else. But it wasn’t always like this. There were times when I’d rise at 4 am, work until 10 pm, barely pausing for a meal, and repeat the cycle day after day, seven days a week. I felt like I was merely observing life passing me by.
These days, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Dan, how do you manage to travel so much?” It seems like you were just in Florida, then I saw you in Northern California, and it feels like yesterday you were in Moab, Utah. Oh, and the other question I often hear is, “Where’s your next adventure?”
My favorite response to that question is, “We’ve actually been home for about a month now, and it’s been amazing. We might stick around for a while. Lol.”
The reality is that even when we’re traveling, work doesn’t stop. I rise early and tackle tasks while everyone else is still asleep. My wife acts as my co-pilot, managing texts and emails when urgent matters arise. If you ever receive a flawless message, chances are she’s the one behind it. Lol.
What we’ve discovered is that traveling brings us closer as a family. We argue less and enjoy each other’s company more.
As a couple, we find ourselves growing closer not only to each other but also to God. Our primary purpose in life is to draw nearer to God and live according to His will.
We realized that when I was merely working for the sake of it, we weren’t truly progressing. Sure, we were putting out fires left and right, but we weren’t making significant strides in any aspect of our lives.
However, once we took a step back, slowed down, and prioritized living for God while placing our family first, everything changed dramatically. We found ourselves achieving more each day, experiencing financial growth, witnessing improvements in our business, and, most importantly, feeling genuinely happier.
Every day, I have to remind myself: “Dan, you’re a man of God, a father who’s always there for his children, and a husband any woman would be lucky to have.” Saying this isn’t about arrogance; it’s about aspiring to be the best version of myself.
It’s important to acknowledge that I fail every day. But with each failure, I understand that it’s the first attempt at learning.
I’m grateful for God’s guidance; He keeps me on track. Whenever I stumble, His outstretched hand is there to lift me back up.
Today, I am setting aside time to focus on personal growth and reflection. In the person I aspire to be, I see someone who embodies kindness, empathy, and resilience. I strive to approach each day with a positive attitude, seeking opportunities to uplift others and make a positive impact in their lives. Integrity and honesty are fundamental to my character, guiding my actions and decisions. By prioritizing my well-being and nurturing meaningful relationships, I am creating a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. This reminder will serve as a guiding light on my journey to success, reminding me of the person I am becoming and the path I am walking toward my goals.
Here’s what mine looks like:
I aim to live a life that reflects the values and teachings of God. When others observe my life and actions, I hope they see someone striving to align with God’s plan. I refrain from using harmful language or belittling others, and I endeavor to speak positively about others, lifting them up whenever possible. Placing God at the forefront of my life ensures that my family knows they are my top priority. I believe that material wealth is secondary to God’s blessings, and I am committed to using any excess to help those in genuine need. I envision our company as a place where God is honored and celebrated for our successes, recognizing that every victory is a testament to His grace. Ultimately, I aspire to be a devoted believer, a loving husband and father, an exemplary employer, and a trusted mentor for those seeking guidance and growth.
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