When I became a father for the first time I vowed that I would always value my time with my children above all else. I don’t want my children to grow up and leave with their memories of me just working. My time with them is precious and important. Time with my wife is also very important to keeping our marriage healthy and vital.

Then there is work and freelance work. I go to work during the day just like everyone else and spend time away from my family and the “work” I really want to be doing. But when I get home I need to spend that ever critical time with my family (see above). Then, like tonight, I have some freelance work to complete.

All of this has to take place before I do spend any amount of quality time with…my book. I’m often reminded of this great line in Gladiator: Maximus turns to his servent for advice on whether to leave for home or stay and serve his emperor. The servant says, “Sometimes I do what I want to do. Most of the time I do what I have to.”