Three Things More Important Than Work

Our work can give us a sense of accomplishment, make us comfortable, and give us options for the future. While your work is a huge part of who you are, it isn’t the most important. I believe without these three things success in your work doesn’t mean much:

God. It is hard for me to look at this world, nature specifically, and not believe that someone designed it. I am a Christian, and believe that someone is God. My faith is the filter I run my decisions through, without apology. I know not everyone believes what I do, but I do think that faith gives us perspective for our work.
Family. I can love what I do, but if my son doesn’t run to me screaming “daddy!” when I get home, I haven’t accomplished anything. I am making specific decisions about how much I work (and when) to be there for my family. I reject the idea that it’s okay to work 90 hours a week because of what it would enable me to provide. Being there for my wife and son are more important than how much money I make.
Others. It doesn’t matter if it’s one person or a hundred, when you help someone else it builds you up. You would think that giving what you have to others would leave less for you, but it ‘s just the opposite.

Keeping focus on these three areas can give needed perspective both when your work is going great and, more importantly, when it isn’t.

Your list may be different, so let’s hear about what you think is more important than work in the comments below!

http://billgrandi.com/ Bill (cycleguy)

Wouldn’t change a thing Tom. When my kids were at home I lived for their smile and embrace. but nothing beats God’s smile.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  I hadn’t even thought of it from a “seasons of life” perspective – but exactly right. I won’t always have this little boy running around the house – sounds like I should enjoy it, but keep perspective that He will always be there.
http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

For me, it’s difficult to draw out neat lists of priorities. Rarely am I ever put in the hypothetical situation of having to choose between one or the other. The way I prefer to think of it is that God is #1 on my list and #2 is whatever else he wants to be #2 at that moment.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Loren – that is AWESOME…I love it. There is a lot of wisdom there, the point I was making is that, for me, I’M LAST.
Melanie Wilson

Absolutely true, Tom. Fortunately for me, most of my work IS my family. Although sometimes that can be challenging.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Interesting spin between work & family! FYI – tried to comment on your blog yesterday but had trouble. Thanks so much for the mention and link there!
http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

All great and healthy ideals. Focusing on your number 1 will typically help you line out #2 and #3. What I like about each of these is their impact on perspective and opportunity.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Isn’t it amazing if we take care of #1 the rest works itself out? These three things will shape your perspective if you let them.
http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

Great list. I value each of these three areas and make sure those plus my health is top priority. I think if we have a balanced life and focus on God and family first we will be successful in other areas.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Thanks, Dan. I know I have seen a lot of these lists that put ME first – the idea is that I have to take care of myself to take care of others. I would argue we need more reminders to put ourselves last than we do to put ourselves first.
http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

Beyond your list, I’d probably make play and exercise and reading and writing and… more important than work. Here’s the best case scenario: do work that incorporates all of those things that are more important than it.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  That is the goal, Dan!
http://www.liveitforward.com/ Kent Julian

Absolutely! Enough said