Putting the first things first

“When I hear you talk about your daughters it makes me feel like crying… I wish I had a dad like you.” were the words a student told me today, and was perhaps the kindest off-handed compliment I’ve ever received.

We were having a conversation about sleep, and how strategies like mindfulness or breathing techniques might be a way to help with anxiety and an unfair number of challenges for someone so young.

Heartbreaking.

It was a reminder that while some areas of my life need work, I am proud of the energy that I have been allocating to the most important role… being the best dad for Olive and Hazel.

It was also a reminder to be grateful for drawing such a lucky hand in life, and being fortunate enough to be able to allocate energy in this way.

Setting your personal principles, and being intentional about where you commit your energy are the foundations for success.

As Stephen Covey would say, “Are you putting the first things first?”

• Now that’s a peak ethos.