Step 2: Define Values in terms of actions
Let’s suppose that, like two-thirds of all Americans polled, you
listed “family life” as among your top three priorities in life.
What actions can you take—and what actions will you avoid—
to live out that value?
Would you turn down an offer for a new job that paid more
money if it required frequent travel and meant that you would be
away from home for substantial periods of time? Would you rather
be at home every night to help with your children’s homework,
bandage their wounds, play catch, or read them stories at bedtime?
Is it more important to share duties with your spouse and have
conversations, in person rather than over the telephone, that dem-
onstrate your commitment to your marriage’s future?
What does a commitment to “spiritual life” mean in terms of
activities? It could mean going to church weekly (or monthly, or
sometimes), reading and reflecting, participating in a prayer group,
going on a week-long silent retreat. What does it mean to you?
When you answer this question, you have created the possibility
that you can live out this value in your life.
Step 3: Schedule for Your Values
If you don’t get it on the schedule, it isn’t going to happen.
That’s the difference between a New Year’s Resolution to “lose
weight” and a Monday–Wednesday–Friday 7 a.m. appointment to
take a spinning class at the gym.
Put it on the day planner. Be as conscientious about keeping
that appointment as you would about an audience with the presi-
dent or a quarterly evaluation with the boss.
C R E AT E A VA L U E S- B A S E D T I M E M A N A G E M E N T P L A N