Page 31 - FWG Issue 11 December 2021

Lifestyle

two hours with a fever at night and then
having to present to your team the next
morning. Or working towards a promotion
that requires you to travel the world, but at
the cost of missing birthdays and special
events. Or working long hours to prove
yourself to get to a point where you can
provide financially for your family.

A reality check
My clients and other successful individuals
reaching retirement age all say they have
had amazing careers with incredible
opportunities; but they regret missing out
on so much of their loved ones’ lives and
milestones.

The reality is: In sacrifice and
compromise, someone always
loses.

Where to from here?
Take some time to reflect on your own life
and decisions and consider the following:
• Should you have it all, and what will having
it all get you?
• Take a future-back approach. What can
you prioritise now that will reap the most
benefit later on, not only for you but for
your legacy?
• What are you teaching your children through
your actions? See yourself through their
eyes. Remember, the well-intended actions
of parents are not understood by children.
• Hypothetically speaking, if your grandchild
sat in an important meeting with you, how
would you conduct yourself?

You do not have to limit yourself by choosing
either family or career. However, you do have
a responsibility to ensure that:
iSTOCK: LightFieldStudios • Your work does not jeopardise your well-
being.
stories were riddled with guilt and doubt. all the responsibilities that come along • You are emotionally available for your
with wanting it all – a career and a happy children when they need you.
Guilt because they had to sacrifice time family. Those that are aware enough to • You can still find time to use your gifts and
away from their families to get ahead in their make changes to their lives have done so by enjoy your life.
careers, and doubt, because to this day, they recognising their failures, hearing the wake-
still are not sure what they are doing with up calls and even ultimatums. Final points
their lives. As leader, coach, business person and
The complexities, growth spurts and human being, you have the extraordinary
The majority of my research included well- unexpected events from having children privilege of influencing those around you.
respected leaders in business, influential make it nearly impossible to plan effectively. Whether you are aware of it or not, your
executives, successful entrepreneurs and How does one manage, balance and presence, or lack thereof, speaks volumes
(more surprisingly) coaches. coordinate the sheer volume of work and to those who depend on you, love you and
responsibility required to care for yourself, need you.
The shadow side of wanting it all your career and your family?
There are very few people who have their Are you living a life that serves a purpose
priorities in place, where they can manage Take the example of a child waking up every greater than your wants?

Fourways Gardens • 29 • December 2021