A New Work-Life Model

Busy top executives often put their careers ahead of their personal lives, leaving little time for family and friends. But deep down, they yearn for meaningful connections and personal fulfillment. Enter the "P6PROP" program – "Personal Resource Optimizing Performance" – designed to help professionals balance work and personal life. By following this model, you can find the energy to excel both at work and at home, no matter how hectic your schedule may be. The six "P's" of the program are the key to unlocking a richer, more fulfilling life:

1. “Passion”

To boost your productivity and sense of purpose, tap into a strong desire to act. Dive into your family life with gusto, showing lots of energy and commitment in your roles as a parent, partner, and friend.

Successful professionals often attribute their achievements to their intense passion for work. They recognize the need for substantial time, effort, and dedication to excel in their careers. However, they often overlook the importance of channeling that same level of passion into their family life. It's crucial to understand that our reservoirs of dedication and energy aren't endless. When we exhaust most of our resources at work, we may find ourselves with little left to give to our families.

Rediscovering the spark in family life can seem tough when chores pile up or you feel distant from your partner. To reignite that passion, recall moments of pure joy with your loved ones. What activities made those times so special? Instead of seeing your home as a never-ending to-do list, see it as a safe place with the people who care about you, just like you care about them.

Discover Your Family's Values

Think about what sets your family apart and what you value most. Share these ideas with your partner and ask them to do the same. Look for common ground in your beliefs. What things do you all enjoy doing together? Do you have a big extended family? Do you find meaning in a spiritual practice? Once you've answered these questions, write a short statement that sums up your family's beliefs and values. If your kids are old enough, get them involved too. Update your family statement every year to keep it in line with any changes in your lives.

Your family's mission statement is like a compass guiding you toward what you love. Get everyone involved in activities that ignite your passion. If you're into sports, plan a weekend hike or catch a game together. If you love cooking, Let your kids pick recipes and cook alongside you. Make your home a place where everyone joins in on what brings joy.

2. “Precision”

Developing a solid routine at home is key to a happy life. Contrary to what some might think, being good at parenting and being a good partner doesn't always come naturally. You've got to put in the effort, just like you do with your career. "Frontloading" is a smart way to plan ahead and set up systems to handle life's ups and downs before they become emergencies. These systems help create good habits. It might take some work to get your life on track, but once you've got daily routines in place, things will run more smoothly and you'll see it's all worth it.

When Glenn’s wife went back to work three months after their daughter Sadie was born, Glenn decided to stay home and take care of her. At first, he felt a bit lost and alone. So, he joined a gym that had daycare and joined an online group for dads like him. Glenn didn't just sit back and hope for the best. He actively learned how to be a great parent. He read up on parenting, practiced what he learned, and figured out what worked best for him and Sadie. By the time Sadie turned two, Glenn had everything under control. He had routines in place, enjoyed spending time with Sadie, and even managed to do some freelance IT work on the side. His wife was really happy with how well Glenn looked after Sadie. They enjoyed spending time together as a family on weekends.

Parenting and Partnership Vision

Determine the kind of parent and partner you want to be based on your values and personality. Dive into the wealth of parenting resources available online, in books, and through classes. Discuss the topic with friends, family, and fellow parents. Establish strategies and routines for daily tasks like homework and housework. Set up a chore system that involves your children, even the little ones can lend a hand around the house. Delegate tasks that drain your energy, such as cleaning, shopping, or cooking, so you can concentrate on what matters most to you. Don't forget about grandparents—they can be a fantastic resource for assistance. Cultivate your relationship with your partner by carving out child-free time together, expressing your emotions, and offering each other support.

3. “Perception”

Feeling loved and supported gives you a boost to perform at your best. This sense of security not only helps you stay focused and passionate but also creates a strong foundation for your family to thrive. When you feel safe and energized at home, it positively impacts every part of your life. So, make sure to prioritize caring for and protecting your loved ones—they're your greatest source of strength.

Trusted people, like family and close pals, offer essential help and honest feedback. They give you the love and support you need to grow. Your family especially is like a safe zone where you can be yourself, make mistakes, and share your feelings without being judged. Make sure you give back that same kind of love and support to your own family and friends. Appreciate how their help makes your life better.

Create a welcoming home by surrounding yourself with those who uplift you. Seek out friends and family who bring out your best qualities. Encourage your kids to cultivate meaningful friendships with peers and trusted adults. Build a tight-knit circle of loved ones, being selective about who you let in. Prioritize quality time with those who matter most, and promote a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

4. “Peace”

Finding peace within yourself and being content with your life and family brings a sense of calm. Peace here isn't just about avoiding conflicts; it's about recognizing and valuing your unique journey. Take Paige, for example. She was a successful corporate vice president and a mother of four. Everything seemed fine until her mother passed away when her oldest child was 12. Even though 

Paige wasn't close to her mother, her death shook her deeply. Suddenly, Paige started doubting herself at work, arguing with her husband, and feeling overwhelmed by parenting. But Paige didn't give up. She decided to see a therapist. By acknowledging her feelings of loss and talking about them, she began to heal. Then, she hired a life coach to help her get back on track. Slowly but surely, Paige found the inner peace she thought she'd lost forever.

Understand how your childhood experiences shape who you are now. This helps you forgive, move past hurts, and accept what makes you unique. Knowing your story helps you be a better partner, parent, and friend. Accept your limits, forgive mistakes, and realize that both good and bad experiences shape you. This knowledge frees you to be at peace with yourself.

5. “Presence”

Discover the power of being your true self, fully present and aware. Acting authentically feels right, honest, and genuine. When you pretend to be someone you're not, it creates inner tension and weakens the person you show to the world. Behaving in ways that don't match who you are causing stress and diminishes your true identity.

Imagine a mom who used to thrive in the home, sealing deals and feeling alive. But now, she's stuck in the kitchen, feeling drained while baking with her kids. Doing things that go against who you are causes stress and drains your energy. Being genuine is the key to feeling present and alive. So, act in a way that's true to yourself. Each family is special. Find your own way to be a parent. Your unique style in handling the challenges of parenthood, partnership, and friendship could be what makes you great. Inject your personality into your family’s routines. That might mean sharing a hug before bed or simply showing your loved ones how much you care.

Being genuine doesn't mean you can do or say whatever you please. You still need to grasp how your actions impact others. Allow someone close to you to help keep you in check if your unfiltered honesty might harm others.

6. “Persistence”

Establish habits and routines that propel you toward your goals. Achieving top performance requires focus and determination. Stay dedicated to being your best with your loved ones. Persistence is key to reaching your peak both at work and at home.

To truly show your love for your family, you've got to turn those good intentions into actions. Think about things like family dinners, bedtime stories, or date nights – they're more than just ideas, they're ways to make love real in your daily life. So, make a conscious decision to put these things at the top of your list, and then stick to it. Without some effort, your busy schedule will take over, leaving no room for those important family moments. Whether it's leaving work a bit early for dinner together or reading to your little sibling before bed, it's all about making those moments count, every single day.

The key to positive change lies in setting clear family rules and boundaries. These rules give kids stability and make them feel secure. Get them into daily habits like doing the dishes or having meals at specific times. Use tech tools like phone apps or online calendars to keep track of family plans, and then stick to them consistently. By following through on these plans, you create a reliable routine for your family.

Three More P’s

Besides the 6P’s, let’s add three more P’s to boost your growth and development.

• “Purposeful parenting”: Become the parent you aspire to be by knowing your values and priorities, then weaving them into your family’s daily life. Smart planning - using your "top skills for your most crucial job" - gives you a roadmap, making every moment with your family extra special.
• “Power-Full”: In two-parent families, the strength of your partnership is crucial. Neglecting this bond can lead to the family falling apart. To keep your family strong, commit yourself every day, be honest in your communication, respect each other's opinions, and stand united on important issues.

“Pruning”: To perform your best, ensure you're mentally, emotionally, and physically replenished. Incorporate activities that maintain your well-being into your daily routine. Take care of your body and mind to optimize your performance.