Family 2.0, take a second to think about what that phrase really means to you. The book perfectly spells out exactly who this book is meant for; busy executives, entrepreneurs, CEOs, etc. who want to get their family life back on track and get on the road (or obtain) work-life balance. So was I skeptical that the book would be applicable to me as an unattached kidless person? You betcha.
Initial Thoughts
I started reading the Family 2.0 book because I really did want to learn about these mysterious business principles and how they can apply to family. Present circumstances don’t mean I will be unattached forever! Well, how hard would it be? What kind of activities are in there? Will it be super serious? Being unattached means I don’t have anyone to ‘report’ to in a relationship and on the flip side someone to hold me accountable when it comes to implementing goals for my ‘family.’
The book really opens up your idea of family but I really had to think outside the box for this. I have a full-time job, teach and practice yoga 8x/week on average, have a photography business, care for family members, have aging pets, friends, etc. Basically I have a busy life already without being married with kids! I thought this book might actually benefit me more than someone who already has a traditional family (spouse and kids) since I could set myself up for success before involving another person (who will also have an equally busy life). How great would that be that your roadmap can serve not only as an introduction to a new partner, but, also help them integrate into your life when you decide to become more familial (getting married, having kids, etc.)?
Get Some Focus
While going on a 4 day retreat alone didn’t sound all that fun, I thought about how I could slowly chip away at the steps, set goals, fill out the worksheets, etc. I would have to hold myself accountable. I loved how the book felt supportive in this; just get started. Don’t glue yourself to your goals or their outcomes. Be flexible and just begin to hone in your focus. Lack of focus is generally the problem when things get out of whack. Lack of focus at work on what’s priority, lack of focus and clarity on what’s important to your happiness… acknowledging that it’s ok to make goals and redefine and refine them feels like freedom. The book gave me the power to give myself permission to do that. I don’t need to wait to have a family to get started; I can get started now and the family will fall into alignment with me on a deeper level when the time comes.
Taking Action
Without a retreat I wasn’t sure how I was going to complete the worksheets or the boards. I also do best using all 3 learning styles for comprehending and retaining information. Trello to the rescue! With Trello you can create boards which house lists that hold cards. You can color code (life area focus), add links, pictures, words, etc. I’ve created a few boards for Goals & Dreams, Stuff I Love, and My Happy Past. I also downloaded the app to my phone to more easily add the good stuff and remind myself of my goals.
I also completed the worksheet at one sheet a day. I didn’t want to force myself to figure everything out, like yesterday. When I had 30 minutes or so between activities, generally when I wouldn’t have to go out again, I’d sit at my desk and work on a sheet, revisit my Trello board and just feel good!
Family 2.0 was a great book that isn’t like any other self help book out there. It’s actionable, customizable, and easy once you just get started. That’s the trick, just get started. If your family life isn’t perfectly wonderful most of the time, or you desire to have that wonderful family life someday, start your roadmap and get walking!
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