Stephen Covey stated that we should pay attention to our Roles and Goals. If we leave this open-ended, there are an infinite variety of roles and goals to pursue. So let’s narrow this down to the BIG Three roles and goals – ENERGY + FAMILY + SERVICE = Successful Living!

Energy. For me, it ALL starts with Energy. If I have a tough time getting out of bed in the morning, I’m going to have a tough time living optimally. Therefore, I prioritize making sure my Energy is strong.

Family. Why do I want to feel radiantly alive and energized? First and foremost, I want to be an exemplary husband and father. I’m the only one in the world who can be a great husband to my wife and father to my children. In the midst of striving to do great things and make a difference in the world, it’s easy to forget that it all starts at home.

Service. The other reason I keep my energy strong is to be of service. I want to be, in the words of the French movement philosopher Georges Hébert , “Fit to be useful.”

This three step process begins with this question: Identify what you at your best looks like in these three categories? Then capture these thoughts in each category; when I am at my best I….

ENERGY: It starts with proper eating and sleeping habits. Nothing zaps your energy like processed foods, sugars and a string of late nights and later mornings. Get in the habit of clean eating and scheduled sleep. Couple this with exercise bursts throughout the day and your energy level will stay up.

The benefits (aka “The Why” a la Nietzsche’s “He who has a strong enough why can bear almost any how.”): I am radiantly alive. I am grounded. Powerful. Calm. Confident. Energized.

FAMILY: Me at my best: I am an exemplary husband and father. I love to work and create. AND I’m committed to being a great husband and father. An exemplar. That standard fires me up. The benefits: Joy. Presence. Love. Kindness. Patience. Consistency. Celebrating my 50th anniversary with my Love. The #1 thing you can do every day to make that happen: Quality time one-on-one with your children EVERY day. Defined as at least 30 minutes (target 60 during week and hours on weekend) of just me and them.

SERVICE: I desire to be a exemplary teacher and community leader. I am committed to using my God-given gifts as a force for heroic good while continuing to study, embody and teach wisdom I love and making a difference in our faith community. There is GREAT JOY in doing what you were put on this earth to do!