Without My Source of Power I’d Be Nothing

I mentioned the other day that I was a little mischievous growing up, and that it wasn’t until I met my wife that I finally started to get focused in life. After reflecting on that post I realized I didn’t do my wife justice. Yes, Rachel provided me with focus, but I would go further in saying I would amount to absolutely nothing without her in my life.

I know that before I met Rachel I was simply half a person. I possessed good qualities, and held potential to do things in life, but without my other half I could have never accomplished anything meaningful. Today I believe in myself and have very little fear when it comes to attacking my goals. This all comes from Rachel. She is the one who believes in me, which gives me the courage to believe in myself.

I do not do a good enough job of letting her know I believe in her. Rachel is the most amazing mother in the world (yes, I’m biased) and she is also a very talented photographer. The patience she possesses is unbelievable. I’m not around a lot of other parents during times of stress in family situations, but I know I don’t even come close to comparing to her when things don’t go as desired.

Her most amazing strength is the amount of love she possesses and shows on a daily basis. Our two boys, and soon to be baby girl any day now, have a mother that will absolutely do whatever is best for them in life out of pure love. With their mother in their lives they will always feel loved. She is the model for which I look up to for trying to show love in this world.

But she is also tough. Much tougher than me. She works from the time she gets up until her head hits the pillow again at night. There is no such thing as a work/life balance. Work is life for her, which is the best life that anyone could ask for.

It’s because of Rachel that I have a motivating force behind what I do. She has showed me what it can be like to be a whole person and I want the same for everyone that desires it. Her love has opened my eyes to a major problem in this world. So few families have balance at home. Our society has taught us that working for more is the ultimate goal. We are trading time with family in order to achieve success in our careers, and ultimately, buy more things.

I’ve read hundreds of books on achieving success in life and it’s amazing how few of them discuss the importance of our family responsibilities. It’s the same with many of the online people I follow. It’s like there is something taboo about discussing or maybe even desiring this balance.

I know that my profession of coaching is severely affected by it. The most common thing I hear is “my wife sacrifices so much so that I can pursue my passion in life.” I understand where this comes from. I get that most coaches love what they do, myself included. And I understand the demands of the profession. But there has to be a way we can achieve balance.

Just look at the story of Coach Meyer. One of the best football coaches in the history of college football and he is giving it up, for a second time, at the age of 54. His wife, Shelley Meyer, recently said she ‘Would be ecstatic’ if Urban didn’t coach again. I know there is a better way to chase our dreams, and with time it’s my hope more and more people will see this. You can achieve success in your career AND maintain balance in life.

I’d like to end this by thanking my wife for opening my eyes and for being my role model in becoming a better spouse, parent and person.

Without you I’d be nothing. I love you!