time for family
Making Good Decisions
Avoiding decision making is one of the biggest time wasters around. In a good percentage of the cases, any decision is better than none. To go to the left or to the right or to conscientiously stand still is better than standing at the intersection in indecision. A 50 percent average in making good decisions is an excellent record. There are many people who may not be excellent problem solvers, but they're good decision makers. They have the courage to analyze the facts quickly, make a decision, and then learn from and live with the results. Many times such decision makers will outperform the problem solvers just because the decision makers keep things moving.
Divide and conquer
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as having told the Continental Congress, “If we don't hang together, we'll hang separately.” He recognized that the easiest way to overcome opposition is one by one.
There's a basic principle at work here that can be used over and over. Almost any problem may seem too big for us to handle, but when we break it down into its parts, it doesn't appear so formidable.
Projects and problems can be divided and conquered in a number of ways:
- In time we can break them down to each step needed to reach the goal, steps that are small enough to take. Take that first step.
- Functionally we can break them down by the different types of tasks to be done. Perhaps we can do one of those.
- Strategically we can break them down until we identify the person or one action that is the key to further unlocking the problem.
- In terms of goals we can break them down into subgoals and decide which are obtainable now.
- Geographically we may divide them so we can cover each part systematically.
Next time you are stopped in your tracks by a mountain of a problem, try dividing it and conquering it, molehill by molehill. It works.
Background Information
Evaporating Family Time
It's easy to get caught up in the business of life. It's not as easy to make it up to your kids.
Questions and Answers
I have very little time to spend with my children these days, but I make sure the hours we do get to spend together are meaningful. Do you agree that the quality of time you are with your kids is more important than the quantity?
Answer
Our son has been spending all of his time with friends and leaves no time for family activities. What should we do?
Answer
There aren't enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done and spend quality time with our kids. But I'm afraid that someday I'll regret my day-to-day decisions to focus on a clean house. How can I change?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
About Time
It's never too soon to start making memories with your children. For one dad, it's too late.
Missing Dad
Though in 5- and 6-year-old language I would have never called him a "workaholic," I suppose my dad fit the description.
Leaving the Majors for More
Choosing family over career isn't easy; but the rewards are priceless.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
If you sweat the small stuff, it's time to learn how to break free from the control freak inside of you.
Fitting Kids Into a Life
We're well-versed in how to make it in the corporate world. What we need is a little advice about making it in the nursery.
Dare To Be Different
Encouraging individuality is the best way to fend off peer pressure.
Beyond Books and Diplomas
Do you want your kids to be leaders? The formula for getting there might surprise you.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
