Working just works
Living with Purpose: A Transformative Journey
Often, as adults, we find ourselves working just for the sake of it. We put in extra hours on weekends and late nights to get the job done.
There are times when it’s necessary. Take today, for instance. It’s Saturday morning, and I was up at 5 a.m. to drive a truck for training 45 minutes away from home, just to meet a CDL trainer by 7 a.m. And guess what? I’m well aware that I’ll be putting in some extra hours tonight, working until around 8 p.m. to wrap up the day.
But this isn’t my usual routine nowadays. Days like today, with early mornings and late nights, are rare occurrences for me.
I make a point to wrap up work by 4:30 pm, unless the kids and my wife are out and about for activities. In that case, I continue working until they get home, and then I bring out the good stuff.
I make a conscious effort not to limit myself to just work. When you’re managing a business or running your own show, the hours you put in can be endless. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to keep working.
Honestly, during the initial two years of running my business, I used to feel a bit guilty if I took a break in the middle of the day to have lunch with my family or to assist my kids with their projects.
Now, it’s become part of my daily rhythm—the absence of a fixed routine.
On most days, I’m up bright and early, often by 4 a.m. or even earlier, putting in a solid couple of hours of work. After that, it’s breakfast with the family before they kick off their day. I dive back into work, aiming to wrap things up early in the afternoon to carve out precious time with my wife and kids. Reading to my kids before bedtime is non-negotiable, and we always make sure to say our prayers before they hit the hay.
I’ve established clear boundaries in my life, making God and my family the top priorities. It hasn’t always been like this, though.
There were moments when I’d rise at 4 a.m. and grind until 10 p.m., with just a brief pause for a speedy meal. I’d hit the bed drained, only to rise and repeat it all the next day. This cycle persisted for 6 to 7 days a week.
I used to feel like life was slipping away from me. These days, one of the most common questions I get is, “Dan, how do you manage to travel so much?” It’s like, one moment you’re in Florida, the next in northern CA, and it feels like just yesterday you were in Moab, UT. Oh, and then there’s the classic, “So, where’s your next adventure?”
My go-to response to the “Where’s your next adventure?” question is, “Well, we’ve been chilling at home for about a month now, and it’s been fantastic. Might stick around for a bit, you know, switch things up. Lol.”
Here’s the real deal: even when we’re on the road, work doesn’t take a vacation. I’m up early, grinding away while everyone else catches some Zs. My wife becomes the co-pilot, helping out by dictating texts and emails in case of emergencies. Truth be told, if you ever receive a text or email without typos, chances are she’s the mastermind behind it. Lol.
Our discovery? Traveling tightens the family bond. There’s less bickering, and we all get along better on the road.
As a couple, our journeys bring us closer not only to each other but also to God. Our main life purpose revolves around getting closer to God and living our lives through Him.
We realized that when I was working for the sake of working, not much was truly getting accomplished. Sure, we were dealing with a bunch of urgent issues, but we weren’t making significant strides in any area of our lives.
When we paused, took a deep breath, and shifted our focus to living for God and putting our family first, life took a remarkable turn.
Every day started to yield more accomplishments—more money in the bank, the business thriving, and, most importantly, we found ourselves happier.
Each day, I have to remind myself: “Dan, you’re a man of God, a father who’s there for his kids, and a husband any woman would be lucky to have.” It’s not about arrogance; it’s about striving to be that kind of man.
Just so you know, I fail every single day! But here’s the catch: when I fail, I see it as the first attempt at learning.
God’s goodness keeps me on the right path. When I start to stumble, he’s right there, hand outstretched, helping me get back up. I am grateful beyond words for that.
Let’s switch it up today. I’m challenging you not to work for a bit. Take a few seconds to jot down a paragraph about the person you aspire to be. Stick that paragraph on your calendar as a daily reminder. Look at it, read it, and feel confident that you’re on the right path to success.
Here’s how mine shapes up:
I aim to be the kind of person whose life and actions reflect a commitment to living the life God intended. Swearing and putting others down is not my style; instead, I strive to uplift those around me. God takes the top spot, making it clear to my wife and kids that they are my utmost priority. Money is secondary; I trust that God will provide, and any surplus will be shared with those truly in need. Our company stands out as a place where everyone wishes to work, a space where God is acknowledged for our victories because we recognize that every success is a joint effort. I aspire to be a faithful believer, an ideal husband, the kind of father kids dream of, an employer everyone wants, and a mentor sought after for advice and wisdom by those aspiring to grow.
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First, Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Trusting God’s Guidance Every Step of the Way.” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.
Ready to explore more about this topic? Click here to dive deeper at eclipsedot.com/articles and drive your knowledge to new heights!
