Selective focus of woman hands making frame by finger gesture with sunrise on mountain, Female capture sunrise or sunlight outdoor. Future planning concept.
While getting ready for a big trip with my wife, I found myself in my home office working some odd hours. I was in the zone, cruising through my to-do list, and I felt good about everything that I was getting done. At one point during my work, my 12-year-old son came to me and said, “Dad, do you want to go play some ping-pong?” Every parent understands this moment; we’ve all experienced it at some point. I was in the zone! His feelings really wouldn’t have been that hurt if I’d said no. But it only took me a moment before I said, “Sure, I’ll come play a few rounds of ping-pong.”
Why do I tell you this story? Because I want to teach this principle: sometimes we have to set aside the things that seem urgent for those things that are more important. I could have told my son that I would come play later, or that now wasn’t a good time. After all, I had a lot to get done before I left, and I was cruising! But in that moment, spending an hour with my son around the ping-pong table was more important than finishing a few tasks. No matter how pressing some of the things you’re doing are, it is more important for you to make sure that you are making plans for the future.
We’ve all been experiencing a lot of volume the last couple years. I’ve had many record-breaking months during that time. Sometimes it can feel like we’re barely keeping up with the work that we already have; like we don’t have time to take that next step with our business. But let me tell you, you’ll regret not doing it if you wait. Take the time now – today – to look to the future. Make sure your focus is on those things of true importance, not just the urgent (but fleeting) things of the moment.
For more information on this subject, please download and listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
7 Comments on “Where is Your Focus?”
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Work ethic? Is that why Dustin lost his business, and is not a True Footage Superstar?
At least your not like Brian and Nick who are playing ping pong waiting for work.
Seek the truth.
Bill Johnson,
Quit stretching the truth. You can’t handle the truth. Start telling the truth.
Huh? Dustin sold his appraisal practice/book of business to True Footage.
As a father with a young daughter, this is a great story and something I have to focus on as well when I get in the zone knocking out work.
Dustin sold (cough, cough) his appraisal business and is now a W2 employee for True Footgage. He’s been pushing for the use of AMC’s for years, only to recently sell everyone out and become the MAN himself. Do as I say, and not what I do, right Dustin?
Considering I’ve been here telling people here to seek the truth for over 5 years, where have you been Van Patton?
Bill Johnson,
Quit stretching the truth. You can’t handle the truth. Start telling the truth.
I’m a firm believer in God first, Family Second, Work Third. I’m about to be a great grandmother for the first time. My grandson went to my son and asked, “Dad, teach me how to be that “hands on” father you always were. I don’t need to be rich in money, but I do want to provide for my wife and soon to be daughter. I want to be that kind of Dad you have always been. Teach me how to earn sufficiently and always be there for my child.” Dustin, there is no greater calling than to be a parent and promise you that game of ping pong was absolutely the priority of that moment. When a child asked to play a game they’re really saying, “I love spending time with you, will you spend time with me?” Thats the memory that’s worth recording. Thank you for the reminder.