Give your Best Work, But Don't Give Work Your Best

People are always telling their family how important their work or career is to their priorities. Do they tell their work how important their family priorities are to them? Children grow up hearing, "Daddy has to work, so I can't do that", "Momma is going to have to work late so I can't be there" and "I can't do that because of work." I know, I am guilty too. Seldom do we let work know how important our family is to us. "I won't be able to work late (or Saturday) because I promised my spouse/kids..." or "I would like to have the afternoon off because my son is in a school production and I would like to be there."

As great as they may be, few bosses or coworkers will be there for you in crisis, need, and when you are old. Your family will. Your boss will soon forget the extra hour you put into a project. "Daddy took off today so we could be together because you are more important to me" are empowering words that a teen will not soon forget.

Teach your family that work is important but not everything. Teach them that work economically empowers a family but that all of life's decisions do not revolve around a job. Do your best work, but don't give work your best! Reserve that for the ones that deserve it most, those most important to you.