I never purchase the sensational magazines in the grocery checkout lane. But I do sometimes glance at the headlines. Recently I saw yet another famous celebrity couple announcing their split with the title – ‘Our Careers kept us apart’. Give me a break! Do they have to do one more movie to make the mortgage payment? One more cover photo to purchase yet another Ferrari? No, this is just an extreme example of Misplaced Priorities! Here’s a quote from the article: “Citing the difficulties inherent in divergent careers which constantly keep them apart, they concluded that an amicable separation seemed best for both of them at this time.” Yeah, explain that to the 8 and 6-year-old children. “Kids, mommy and daddy think having a great career is more important than being a family.”
With all the options today, it is critical to define your own priorities. If you simply respond to circumstances, any obstacle will send you in a new direction. Circumstances should not determine our choices. Well thought out priorities can guide us through the inevitable changes that will come our way. Careers are tools for successful lives, but nothing more than one piece of a successful life. Without success in finances, family, socially, physically, spiritually and in personal development, career success will be empty and meaningless.
This is a week where we all take a fresh look at our most intimate relationships because of Valentine’s Day.
Here are some things Joanne and I have practiced to not only maintain but thrive in our long-term marriage:
- Treat each other with respect
- Never raise our voices in anger
- Reserve Friday nights for Date Night
- Do small things just out of consideration
- At least two daily hugs
- Lots of back rubs
- Once a year cruise
- Spend time Sunday morning sharing what we’re reading
I love my career as an author and coach. But if I had to choose between my current career and Joanne, I would choose her in a nanosecond. I could find plenty of new ways to make an income.
Tell us what you’re doing to enhance your marriage relationships. And just for adding your best advice here’s a link to The Rudder of the Day – with some more tips for starting your day off right.
