Develop a written plan for personal development — It should include a section for Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Relational, Mental, Professional, and Influential growth projects. The primary focus should be on consistently stretching towards your full potential in each area
Develop a written family growth plan — A solid family doesn’t just happen spontaneously. Spend time each day thinking about specific ways to make your family #1 and put these things in your schedule
Have a written growth plan for your marriage — Schedule a few days each year to get away with your spouse to create or revise a plan for improving your marriage. One of your priorities should be to become with the person you’ll be living with after the kids are gone.
Follow your Plans — A plan not followed is just a waste of both paper and time. Give your schedule the rocking chair test. Ask yourself “When I’m 95 and in my rocking chair, will I regret not doing this?”
Know your strengths — Take a personality test or ask a trusted friend to help you determine the areas where you’ll shine. Spend most of your time “improving your shine.” This is my personal favorite time management tip!
Know your weaknesses — Don’t waste time trying to turn these areas into strengths, but work instead to build quality relationships with other people who have complimentary strengths.
Learn your spouse’s strengths. Spend time daily reinforcing them.
Learn the strengths of each of your children — Spend lots of time reinforcing them.
Learn your family’s weaknesses — Remind yourself constantly that you are not in charge of “fixing” your family. Learn the art of being graceful, your wife and kids already know where they are failing so don’t remind them.
Make a list — It should consist only of things that you must do to reach your goals. Read it twice to make sure no one else could do them and then try to involve your family in doing them with you.
Make a second list — This one should consist of activities that give you a high level of return for the time invested. Exercise would be included here because it increases your energy levels and time management capabilities. Again, try to involve your family
Make a third list — These activities should give you a sense of fulfillment as a person and you should regularly include them into your schedule.
~ Marvin
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