We got it wrong.

You're going to spend over 30% of your life working a job. For those of you punching the clock more than the average Joe, you could see as much as 50% of your existence being eaten up by work. Whether you're juggling a work-life balance or grinding away with a certain mindset towards work, the reality is, most of us won't have much choice but to dedicate at least a third of our lives to our jobs. We're constantly bombarded with phrases like "work to live, don't live to work" and the importance of focusing on what really matters in life. But, let's be honest, no matter how ace of a parent or person you are, that 30% rule is there, lurking, ready to snatch you up and pull you in. That's exactly why it's crucial to make those hours count, to carve out a meaningful culture at work, to lead with purpose, to ensure every interaction uplifts. Believe it or not, you can be an exceptional parent and achieve monumental success in your career. It's not an "either/or" scenario; you're capable of being a fantastic parent AND crushing it at your job, managing your health, and whatever else, all while setting an exemplary standard for your kiddos.

Now, if we're destined to spend so much time working, we've got to frame it differently. Work isn't a "have to"; it's a "get to." For example, say you've got a meeting two hours away. Instead of grumbling, "I have to go to this meeting," flip the script to, "I get to attend this developmental meeting that my company's shelling out for so I can become a better leader and maybe pass on what I learn." See? Instantly cooler. Hell, I'll probably even brag about it to my friends that my company does this for me!

Take my early days on the job, for instance. I had to head to a farmer's convention in Grand Rapids. The idea of leaving my two-year-old and wife to stew in meetings for three nights wasn't exactly my idea of a good time. When I was about to leave, my daughter hit me with a "why are you leaving?" Given she was only two, my response was pretty lame: "because the coconut water you like sipping on is pricey." But that drive to Grand Rapids gave me a lot of time to think. I wanted a better story for my daughter, a stronger reason for throwing on that suit and tie and leaving my girls behind for potentially the next 18 years. Now, I tell them, "Because someone out there needs me to make a difference, to help them with something." That shift in mindset transformed everything. Now, I actually look forward to these conferences, the awesome hotels, the new faces, making new friends, and leaving a bit of positivity behind. And you know what? I can honestly say I enjoy it all now.

If you're looking to squeeze the most juice out of your work life, here's what I suggest:

1. Lay down those core values you want to spread. If your company's culture is getting you down, quit the moaning and start making changes. Dive in, spread the word, make workplace buddies you genuinely enjoy spending time with. Trust me, it makes that 30% way more fun.
2. Stick to your guns. Consistency is key. You can't just spit out a message once and call it a day. It's like when you delegate a new task; if you're not checking in regularly, it's going nowhere. Cultivating culture is no different. You need visibility, constant reminders. Take us at Farm Bureau; we've launched a social mission to end childhood hunger in Michigan. We've got the logos, the boards, new roles, the whole shebang. And with our farmers involved, I have zero doubts we'll nail it. But the real magic? It's in the non-stop chatter about our mission. It keeps everyone dialed in, rallying around a cause that's genuinely worth their time and energy. We will make a difference and end childhood hunger in Michigan! Consistency is key for everything, Check out Ken Rideout , the world's fastest marathoner over 50. He has redefined aging and fitness by being consistent and running every single day. Without a significant background in running, he continued to get faster into his 50s. Show up, be consistent.
3. Show up for others, help them reach their goals, even if it's just offering a bit of encouragement. If they're lacking a work goal, I bet they've got dreams. Lend a hand in making those dreams a smidge more attainable, even if it's personal. Blending work and personal life, helping someone out on a personal level, makes them better at their job. Spot the dream, and life suddenly gets a lot more rewarding. But here's the thing, we all hit rough patches. The most critical step? Recognizing you're stuck in one and finding the way out. I remember whining about something at work once, and a teammate hit me with a "oh, you're complaining?" That was my wake-up call. I'd been grumbling too much. It's about catching yourself, making that adjustment, and embracing the "I get to" mentality, then spreading that vibe to others. How you do one thing is usually how you do everything, so if you're griping during that 30% at work, chances are, you're doing the same at home. The biggest blunder as leaders is not understanding the impact of our interactions, our presence, our examples, our encouragement. In reality, these interactions are everything.

People might not recall every word you said or everything you did, but they'll always remember how you made them feel. So, let's make that 30% count, shall we?