From Triathlons to Triple Juggling Act
A year ago at this time I was swimming, cycling, and running 70.3 miles across the rolling hills of Kansas as I completed my second half-Ironman distance triathlon. Through rain and scorching heat I persevered for 7 hours with hundreds of other crazy souls whose idea of fun is training for months for this grueling event.
Fast forward a year later as I’m now preparing to set aside my hobby of triathlon training to embrace juggling 3 other major themes in my life: beginning the Evening MBA for Executives program, preparing for a new family addition (my wife and I are expecting our first child two weeks after classes start), and continuing to excel at work. I think the key to balancing these responsibilities will be to take each day one at a time and really ensure I’m spending 80% of my time on the 20% of things that truly matter.
As a recovering perfectionist, I sometimes find it hard to leave my to-do list incomplete, but I am learning to embrace the notion that perfection is the enemy of greatness. I try to begin most days by looking at my calendar and reflecting on what I will be most proud to have accomplished at day’s end. This is certainly easier said than done in a world full of distractions from email and Facebook updates! I have often found, though, that the more I have to do the more I am able to focus and get things done.
I can’t wait to begin this journey with my classmates and the UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty, staff, and alumni. I’m also looking forward to blogging about my experiences throughout the program.
Scott,
I can relate to your story about what I was doing a year ago, although it wasn’t as grueling as training for a triathlon. This is an impressive accomplishment!
Congratulations to you and your wife for the “bundle of joy” under way. It’s a moment you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Like you, I’m excited about what is waiting for us as we get ready to embark on this journey. I look forward to meeting you and our classmates in the next couple of weeks.
Regards,
Aliou Ousmanou
Hi Scott;
Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family. I have two sons, Cole, age 4, and Drazen, 8 mos., so I can certainly relate with your need to spend 80% of time on the 20% of things that matter. I look forward to meeting you in a few weeks.
Best Regards;
Ben Barish
Scott,
We met at the Executive Alumni Conference a couple of months ago. It’s amazing how much things can change over the course of a year. What an exciting time for you and your family. I hope all of you enjoy the wonderful experience you are about to embrace with the birth of your first child. Congratulations!
I look forward to seeing you again, and meeting the rest of our Kenan-Flagler family as we begin our beyond in a few short weeks.
For those of you planning to attend the review sessions this weekend, I’ll see you there.
Enjoy the remainder of your week.
Billy Ezzell