ARE YOU CLOCKING IN
There is a time and a place. For all things. We all have no problem clocking in for work. In fact, we work overtime if needed or if asked. The idea or illusion of a larger paycheck drives us.
But that isn't the only area in life that requires us to "clock in." Some of us are parents, artists, entrepreneurs, spouses or partners. We have ambitions for our life, or, how we want our bodies to look and feel. Are you clocking in for those space too?
As a father the big one for me is clocking in at home.
As a writer, am I sitting down in front of my typewriter each morning.
I like the term clocking in because with the many things in life we face, it establishes a base line. A bare minimum that be. Call me crazy, but I have a 5x7 index card typed out on what my ideal day looks like. It's my punch card if you will.
The point here is using the card to remind me what I will do in a day, at what time and for how long. I also carry this card with me. Yes, I'm not normal and that works for me. It helps keep me accountable to clocking in for my shifts, each day. We've heard the cliche that we "all have the same 24 hours." I disagree with that. While there is 24 hours in a day, they aren't all the same. Someone may have a sick child or partner. Someone may be dealing with a death or terminal illness. Someone may have an asshole for a boss or a loved one was just arrested by ICE.
Fundamentally, the idea of clocking in is to do what needs to be done and what one wants to do. But do it with focus, intention and commitment, just as you might for a paycheck. We are more than just what earn after two weeks of labor. Clocking in helps underline that we are and it's up to you to decide how and where to apply it.
Retired Navy Commander, Jocko Willink, shares a post every morning a 4am, of his watch on social media. It shows him clocking in at his home gym at 4am, each day. If he is traveling, the same post shows up. That is an example of clocking in. Its about taking your time serious. Its about using your time and not wasting it. Its about honoring the responsibilities, without wavering. And, there is something "boot strappy" about it that I like.