In the past year, I have picked up jogging as an exercise and actually run a few 5K’s.  I call it ‘jogging’ because I would be embarrassing the sport of running if I called my Clydesdale pace  ’running’.  I HATE jogging…, but I LOVE having jogged!  There are a few reasons:

1) The fruit - For me, to maintain a healthy weight, I must exercise.  Since I started my jogging program almost a year ago, I have lost over 20 lb

2) The accomplishment – When I am through jogging, I feel like I have accomplished something positive and that is a good thing.

3) The goal – Whether I am shooting for a personal best time for 3.1 miles, or looking to shed a few extra calories due to the dessert the night before, it helps me to get to achieve my goals!

We all have things we hate do-”ing”, but love having “done” them.  My guess is that some of my ‘Lean’ friends I work with hate following their personal standard work, but the love having followed their personal standard work!  We love having done them for various reasons.  What reasons would you add?

Finish this sentence for me:  I hate __________________-ing, but I love having _____________-ed

Photo from cartoonstock.com

I am often frustrated by the value that I don’t get returned for the time I invest.  Sometimes it may cost more than it is worth.

Do you know your hourly rate for your personal time?  It’s easy to calculate:

Target annual personal income / 2,080 (approx work hours in a year) = Hourly rate for your time

You can use this calculation to see if you are wasting more time on something than it is worth!  That project you are working on so you don’t have to call the contractor…. How many hours do you have in it????  What is it costing you?  Of course, sometimes cost is not the only variable that is important with your time.  There is family time that is priceless.  There is personal development time that increases your personal value. 

But, sometimes, the time it takes to do a task is simply not worth it.  I have now been on the phone for 25 minutes.  This ‘free’ replacement cartridge is costing me a lot of money!!!!

So, what is  your hourly rate????  What do you need to STOP doing that costs more than the time invested?

Each of these books in one way or the other should impact my life plan in a positive way, whether it be parenting, speaking, leading, or being a better husband.

What’s on your list to read in 2012?

Another year has FLOWN by.  What a year it has been.  I was looking through some of my photos from the year and, of course, realize I don’t take enough of them!!  But, it has been an eventful year and one that compels me to be grateful for so many things:

1) Medical advances – It seemed like the year of surgeries for the Gallagher’s and close friends.  Mom had knee replacement. Our friend, Stan Buck had major brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.  My brother had major heart surgery to basically rebuild his heart, and we finished out the year with Brendan having wisdom teeth pulled.  All of them are recovering well. 25 years ago, these stories likely would have been quite different.

2) People who inspire me – There are many who do inspire me.  This year, the ‘top’ inspirer would be Adam Ward, a friend and co-worker who inspired me to run my first 5K and subsequently, 3 more after that! 

3) Work that I love - I really do enjoy the work that I do.  Too often in today’s economy folks may be doing things that they just don’t love. 

4) Safe air travel – I had to log over 160 flight segments in 2011 and each of them landed the same way they took off!

5) Family  – Saving the best for last…Frankly, my wife, Chris and boys sacrificed this year as a result of #3 above.  They have been very gracious in affording my the opportunity to fulfill my purpose. 

There are many more things like time spent with friends (see photo above from WVU homecoming game! – Let’s Go Mountaineers!!) that I need to be grateful for all the time.  

So, what are you grateful for in 2011?  Take some time to reflect on this.  You will find it rewarding.