Success is defined in many different ways depending upon who you ask. Some view success as a lot of money or acquiring things. Others view it by the impact they have on other people’s lives. Many view it by reaching certain levels in their careers or ministries. But no matter what success means to each person, sometimes handling it may be challenging.
Today, I’m going to focus on success in your career. It may seem like handling success is easy, at least, easier than handling failure. It can appear that men who are successful in their careers either by making a lot of money or a name for themselves are just as successful at home. But it’s not always the case as evidenced by the successful celebrities and CEOs who have failed marriages and families. So how do you guard your family from success? How do you handle success in your career as a husband and father?
In my younger days before my music interest changed, there was a song called “Mo Money Mo Problems” that I liked. The artist made the point that the more success (money to this artist), the more problems came with it. He makes the point that there are danger zones that accompany success. These danger zones can actually put success at work and success at home against each other. Do your best to avoid them.
Here are the 4 danger zones you must avoid, especially when you are successful in your career:
1. Pride.
Avoid thinking you are solely responsible for your success or that you don’t need anybody else. Also, be content with what you already have. A great family, a great career, and many other great things.
2. Passions.
Avoid doing things based solely on your feelings. Sometimes what may feel good to us is actually not good for us. This could be food, other material items, or worse…see the next point.
3. Lust.
With success and prominent positions come temptations and opportunities to do things that can be to our detriment. One example is extramarital affairs. Like the point above, it may seem good and even feel good, but if it becomes a detriment or even a potential detriment to your family, then avoid it. No, run from it!
4. Time.
One of your keys to handling success in your career as a husband and father is to know what your priorities. Yes, the more successful you are than the more likely you’ll earn more money which means you can financially provide for your family. But don’t forget love is spelled T-I-M-E, not T-H-I-N-G-S. If your career success is at the expense of your wife and kids, then you may want to reevaluate. At a minimum, revisit your priorities and make sure they are known and clearly defined.
While being successful in your career does not guarantee success at home or vice versa, it is possible. To do so, be sure your priorities are in order, be sure to avoid the danger zones that have taken many successful men down, and appreciate the good, the bad, the plenty, the lack and all in between that you’ve been blessed with in your career and your family.
Huddle up with your wife and kids and say, “I love my career, but there is nothing I love more than you.”