Why not take every Friday Off?

4 simple steps to a life of freedom.

Fifteen 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. 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).

If you're a top performer, you should be free to work flexibly once you figure it out 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 will ask 'How have you got so long off?' (The answer is to decide it's important and to work towards it.)

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?

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

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

But...

1. You would have to be crystal clear on your goals.
2. You would have to prioritise what you do.
3. You would have to be organised and manage your time.?
4. You would have to be fit and focused and get it done.

In other words, you would need the attributes of a high performer.

Start small.?

Start with Friday.?

Pick one and clear your calendar on that day. 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.

Don't get me wrong. I am still productive on Fridays - on projects that I love. (Nowadays, 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.

Next week is the last newsletter for a while. And that's OK. I have other priorities.

When I come back, I'm running a beta coaching programme with the aim to 'Free your Fridays' for a small group. Register your interest by emailing me with FRIDAY in the subject + your reason for wanting to participate.

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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.