Sophie, my youngest daughter is coming up to a year old.  She’s teething at the minute, which can be quite tough, but apart from that is a happy content child and seems to be learning, developing and changing every day.

I know Cassie’s a great mum and I try to be the best Dad I can be…and hopefully the effort we both make will ensure that both Charlotte and Sophie will grow up to be well rounded individuals with a passion for life.  However what I’m interested in exploring in this Blog post is that impact children have on their parents and talk about the birth (and development) my children have had on me.

I’m motivated work wise by a number of things.  Financial security, recognition, and the satisfaction of doing a really good job (and building a long term relationship of trust) for my clients amongst them.

The underlying reason these things motivate me are my children.  I not only want to provide my children with financial security, but I also want them to be proud of me, not only as a Dad.  But also as a good person, and successful role model.  Letting Charlotte and Sophie down in all these areas is something I’d do anything to avoid….and this tend to push me on to bigger and better things professionally.

However I believe that solely focusing on success in my professional life is a mistake.  I believe I need to get the balance right between working hard in my business, and ensuring that I give enough time to Charlotte and Sophie to provide them with the support they need to develop as individuals and provide them with fantastic childhood memories.

Can you have it all?  I believe you can.  I don’t believe that having a succesful business and being able to spend the time required to nuture your family are mutually exclusive.  However I do believe it takes work, effort and focus to ensure that I can get this balance right.

Do I always get it right?  probably not.  However the fact that I am constantly trying to find more ways to be productive and improve both as a financial planner, business owner as dad means that I’m confident that I’ll do the best job I can.

So….a few questions.  What motivates you?  How do you maintain the balance between work and family time?  How often do you look to improve the time you spend either at work or at home?