I returned to South Africa when I stopped playing rugby in England at the end of 2005. Having just had my daughter, who was only a couple of months old, I had to make some decisions regarding work, training and family time. I had heard many stories of men and women who had worked so hard that they had started moving away from their spouses. I was hell bent on not making that mistake and I set myself a couple of goals regarding training and work.
The first thing I did was to start training at 5:30 in the morning. It was the only time where I would not be bothered by work. It was also the only time where I would not be stealing any time from my family. The next step in this process, was to set myself goals regarding work and the amount of hours I would dedicate to work. When I started CK Advertising I really worked long hours and had to travel to Gauteng on a weekly basis. Making deals and doing endurance events released something inside of me and I very quickly realized that it could become very addictive. I then had to adapt my goals on fitness and business as I was spending more and more time on work and training than ever before. I had to redefine my version of success and adapt.
Society has dictated us to believe that our “net asset value” dictates whether you are successful or not. Over time I have started to move away from that viewpoint, and I have started to focus on some form of balance in 5 areas. Family, Friends, work, health and spirit. I truly believe that if you can find a healthy balance between those five areas of your life then you are successful.
I recently read an article that spoke about seasons in our life. There is essentially a season for everything. Sometimes our season for work takes a lot of time from our families and it takes a toll on our health. It is however our responsibility to turn it around and try and balance it out in the next season. Nobody teaches us how to be parents and therefore there isn’t really a wrong and a right. What I can say is that time with a kid equals love in their minds. Don’t let work or work stress affect your marriage, your relationship with your kids or your health. My staff know that they can take off work at any time if it is for their family. As long as they catch up it doesn’t bother me at all.
What season are you in and how are you coping with a certain level of balance in your life?
“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air.
You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four Balls – Family, Health, Friends and Spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.”
Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give the required time to your family, friends & have proper rest
“Value has a value only if its value is valued” – Bryan Dyson
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