Life has a way of convincing us that certain things are impossible—like taking two days off in a single month. That's exactly what I thought until I challenged a friend to do it, realizing I couldn't expect him to make the change if I wasn't willing to do it myself. What followed was a transformation that reshaped our priorities and showed us what's truly important.
A Radical Idea: Two Days Off Per Month
Our challenge was simple but profound: one day per month, my friend and I would take our kids on a fun adventure, allowing our wives a well-deserved break to recharge in their own way. The second day was reserved for us, a day dedicated to reflection, planning, reading, and prayer. It sounded daunting, but we were committed to making it happen.
A Coffee Shop Meeting: Setting Goals for Transformation
Our journey began with a meeting at a local coffee shop in the early morning. We discussed our goals for the day, a crucial step in ensuring we remained accountable to our commitment. It became evident that we needed to overhaul our daily, weekly, and monthly routines to prioritize our wives and children—our top priorities that had somehow been pushed aside.
A Day by the Lake: Seeking Guidance and Renewal
We then headed to a serene local lake to spend time alone, seeking guidance from the Lord. We prayed for wisdom in leading our families, businesses, and friendships in a way that honored Him. It was a time for the Lord to lead our thoughts, ideas, and priorities.
Hours of Solitude: Prayer, Reflection, and Planning
In solitude, we prayed, thought deeply, read, and wrote. It was a rare opportunity to put our phones on airplane mode, armed with intentional reading material and personal development ideas. The result? A first draft of what I call my "Personal Compass." It contained my core values, envisioned life metrics for 2050, what I wanted to be remembered for, a personal mission statement, a focus on building closer friendships, a board of advisors, and a meticulously crafted schedule.
Reconnecting and Accountability: A Six-Mile Hike
Later, we reunited for a challenging six-mile hike. We shared our insights, discussed our results, and outlined plans for mutual accountability. I unveiled a more detailed daily schedule, one that encompassed everything from morning exercise to bonding time with my boys. While it may not be the final schedule, having it documented provided a starting point for future edits and improvements.
In the end, our two-day transformation was more than just a break from our routines; it was a radical shift in priorities. We learned that, with intentional planning and the courage to break free from the "busy" cycle, we could create the life we desired—one that centered on faith and family. Our journey continues, but we're now equipped with the tools and mindset needed to live a life that truly matters and create true wealth
