Finding a balance in life can be one's legacy in life
It seems this time of year is always one of finding balance. The holidays are over, and winter stretches on ahead. Finding something to look forward to like planning your next vacation or embarking on a home project such as painting or rearranging a room can help to pass the time productively.
We’ve often talked in January about setting goals or “resolutions” for what we want to accomplish in the coming year, and while I encourage you to do that both personally and as a family, today I’d like to offer for your reflection, what kind of legacy do you want to leave?
We all have the same amount of time every day and we choose how to invest each minute. We can lead through either our position (at home or at work) or by influencing those around us to join in a meaningful cause.
Here are a few additional thoughts to ponder:
Live your principles as they rule your behavior
Top principles of successful leaders are integrity, trust and responsibility. This might be a great conversation to have in your workplace or in your home-what are the core values we live and work by?
If your children were asked “what are the values, you strive to live your life by?” can they identify what a value is and why it’s important to them?
Become a problem solver
You may not have a conflict; you have two possible opportunities. When our kids or co-workers come to us with a problem, ask them to bring two suggestions for how to make it better. Notice when things are going well, be sure to compliment them, create an attitude of gratitude, and do not be afraid to apologize.
Take care of yourself
Blocking out time on your calendar for family events and time for yourself. When asked to assume more responsibility than is possible at the moment, consider responding with one of the following:
I’m happy to do that, and I can get it to you next week, or
If that takes priority, what project would you like me to delay, or
Is there someone who might be able to work with me to meet this deadline?
We all strive to meet goals and expectations, but there are times that we need to do things ourselves and not ask others to do something that we could do, as it’s been said, “lack of prior planning on your part doesn’t create an emergency on mine.”
While we don’t want to be the Little Red Hen, we also want to lead by example whether it’s in the home or with our work or faith families.
Happiness leads to success
The happier and more engaged we are as employees, the more successful the outcome of the project or the programs are for all of us. I would venture to say this also applies at home and with our friends. Look beyond the clouds for the sunshine and blue skies, the rainy days will end.
Building strong relationships takes time and effort. Work through the challenges, set goals, become a team to accomplish tasks together. Leadership doesn’t always have a title. It’s an individual choice presented each day as we decide what we do, and how we are to accomplish a task.
Through this process not only do we learn or refine life skills, but we establish what we value in life, during the journey.
Melinda Hill is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Finding a balance in life can be one's legacy in life