Greetings!
There is a long list of things in life that I value. My Wife and Family, My Training, My Business, etc. I am constantly faced with the task of listing those things in an order of importance. Each time my schedule has a conflict I have the opportunity to revisit this list and use it to determine which item will get top billing.
One of the main factors that I use in doing this is the "Four P's"
Each time I have an option as to how I will spend my time I try to evaluate how it will benefit me or those around me. The only thing in life that I can not replace is time. Time with my family, enjoying their company and watching them grow. Time at my desk, planning the success of my school and my students. Time alone, so I can think, dream, and plan.
Each of these areas have their ups and downs, but the one thing I am always sure of is that they meet the "Four P's".
Although it is a difficult task in todays world of Facebook, Netflix, Electronics and daily distractions. I like know that I am spending my time in a "Profitable Manner". Now obviously as a Business Owner, this pertains to the monetary idea of wealth building. However it is a bit harder to see in other areas sometimes. Do my relationships on a daily basis profit my life? Do they enrich me, or drain me? Which ones should I keep and which ones should I dissolve? This is a point that I look at constantly. It may seem callous, but if I have people in my life that are time/energy & mojo suckers, then I have to get rid of them.
Once I have ensured that my time is being used profitably, I still have to check the second test. Is it Pleasurable. Someone once said ,"The man who has his passion for a career will never work a day in his life" I take this very seriously. Do I enjoy my work? Most of the time I do. I have a daily ritual of looking at the blessed life I have and how fortunate I am to be in the field that I am. All of the great relationships that have come to me through my life in the Martial Arts. All the knowledge that has been given to me to share with others. The financial independence that I have to make my own future. These are all pleasurable, and therefore enrich my life in a way that I could never accomplish on my own.
Once I have ensured that my time is being spent in a "Profitable & Pleasurable Manner", The last two "P's" are pretty much a no brainer. For something to have "Positive Progress", it has to teach me, enrich my life, add value to myself and those around me, accomplish my personal goals, etc.
Life in it's best form is a 'Win-Win" for everyone involved. If we are making every effort to ensure that we follow the
Four P's", I know that we will all WIN BIG!
Respectfully,
Pu Sa Bum Nym Jason |
