We can't have it all. This is true. At one point or another we must all decide what is more important in life. But I believe there does exist a balance in life whereby we can create amazing things and still create an amazing life at home.
Work is a good thing. Hard work is even better. But why should we neglect our families and other relationships in order to "climb the ladder"? I have found that establishing boundaries around "going big" in my day-to-day life actually helps me better focus when I'm on a project. And then once I hit my limit for the day I can take a big breath and pursue other important areas of life — namely, family.
However, our culture would have us believe the opposite is true. Right? We must make sacrifices in order to get ahead. We have to put in longer, harder hours than anyone else. We are taught that everyone and anyone is our competition. Take care of yourself, they say, and always look for ways to get ahead... no matter the cost.
Well how's that working out for you?
I think changing a mindset of a generation isn't done by one person, overnight. It takes a new generation believing a different way is possible to influence a new pattern of thought. And I'm really excited to be alive at the age I am, with the tools and resources we have, because it feels like a whole new way of thinking about life, and work, is being ushered in. With more and more opportunities to work remotely we are putting husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, back in the home to be seen by their children more often. Of course, working at home comes with its own set of limitations and distractions, but in my experience it's a most beautiful challenge.
I have seen firsthand the examples of how success can intersect with family and there's no looking back.
So be encouraged, go out there and make big things happen. Learn your craft and learn it damn well. Put in the hours to practice, to refine, and get better. Go to workshops and conferences and meet a lot of people. Do a lot of cool stuff. Tweet, share and gram. But don't forget that's not all there is to life. There are these living, breathing assemblages of dirt, water and air that we were made to be with. Besides, the mysterious nature of our relationships will continue on long past whatever fame or fortune we earn in this life.