What if you had Friday back?

15 years ago, the pending birth of our first daughter changed my perspective.

I decided I wanted to have every second Friday off to spend time with her. I was working in a bank where flexible working was uncommon.

But it was important to me.

So I asked.

My boss had two daughters and understood my situation. But she trusted me while I ensured she had no reason not to. We made it happen.

Many people think they are too busy to take time off. I want to prove to you that anyone can do it.

The hardest part is deciding that it is important enough.?

This small change to my working week was the first in a series of decisions to balance work and purpose with pleasure, relationships and freedom.?

A few years later, Anne-Marie and I took eight weeks off to travel home to Ireland from Sydney. At first, Anne-Marie was reluctant to ask. But the worst they could say was No. (They didn't because they trusted her also).

I believe that, if you're a top performer, you can be free to work flexibly once you figure out how with your team.

Nowadays, I take time off when I want for however long I need. This month, I have taken two mid-week breaks to visit friends out west and to head away surfing. This summer, our family will embark on a five-week road trip to Europe. Later this year, I will visit old friends in Sydney whom I have not seen in years.

People seem surprised that we can take this long away. They often ask How have you got so long off? (The answer is I work towards it every day)

But I would prefer to ask 'How not?'

How can we have lived through all we have recently and NOT have prioritised ourselves and our family over all else?

You can do this too. I can teach you.?

Imagine you had this Friday off. You had to get all your work done by 4 pm Thursday. Could you do it? Of course.

But...

...you would have to be clear on your goal.

You would have to be decisive to prioritise what must be done.

You would have to be organised to manage your time.?

You would have to be fit and focused to get it done.

...all attributes of a high performer.

Start small. Start with Friday. Pick one and clear your calendar. Call it Family First Friday. I will help you do it the first time. Then do it again. Before long you can be working four-day weeks.

Now I am still productive on Fridays - when I feel like it. To be frank, my teenage daughter does not want to spend as much time with me. ('Time flies' is a cliche for a reason.)

I use my time differently now. I am writing my second book - about this exact topic - getting clear on what you want out of LIFE (not just work) and designing your week and days to align.

Are you interested in joining us to get your Fridays back via our coaching programme starting in August? Register your interest by emailing [email protected] with FRIDAY in the subject.

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My mission is to help you and your team with wellbeing & performance via habits and mindset.

Learn more at www.TheWellbeingGym.com.