This is an interesting look at character as we look through the aspect of our roles. We all play different roles in life (son, daughter, husband, wife, mom, dad, co-worker, etc) and how we play each of our roles says a lot about who we are as a person.
Importance Of Balance
I think it’s critical that we bring balance into our lives and this is one area that can get out of balance in a hurry. Some of us have trouble transitioning from one role to the next. How many of us bring home work with us and as a result we cause strife in our households? Sometimes we are not present for our children because we get stuck on a business call, or we don’t help out our wives with dinner and clean-up because we have to finish up that work email that’s still lingering. Obviously, there are times when these things must come first, but they should be the exception, not the rule. Actually, our families are a good barometer for us to know if we’re out of balance. So, please listen closely.
Some of us find great satisfaction in one role over another and thus, we spend inordinate amounts of time in that area to the expense of other significant roles. If I get lots of affirmation, praise and recognition at my job, but I feel “less-than” at home and get reminded of my shortcomings regularly, where do you think this person will spend their time? We need to be willing to spend time thinking, planning and goal-setting in each role that we play so we feel like we’re making progress and we see the significance of each.
Five Areas (vocation, family, personal, spiritual, and community)
In order to bring wholeness and balance into our lives, it’s important to consider the different areas of life that we should play a role. Each of these areas needs attention and I hope we can ask ourselves how am I making an impact in each of these areas. In my vocation, am I using my gifts and passions to make a difference in other people’s lives? Am I showing up ready to give it my best? Am I helping those around me to get better? In my family, do I take on the necessary responsibilities that will make my family stronger? What part of family am I not living out my role as well as I’d like? In my personal life, am I taking care of myself physically, intellectually, and spiritually? Have I learned good self-leadership that allows me to be at my best in all my roles? In my spiritual life, am I becoming the person I long to be and am I living out my faith in ways that impact the world for good? In my community, have I figured out ways to use my abilities and experiences to give back to the next generation or to people who are less fortunate? How am I impacting my community for the good?
Remember our significance does not come from the roles we play but from the person we are becoming. Keep figuring out ways to show up and play your best – this is a sure way you will lead a life of impact. Let’s use this one life to touch other people’s lives in the roles that we play.
