How to improve the quality of time with your family

If you do a search on quality time online you will find a few different interpretations of what it means. One example is this:

Sometimes abbreviated QT, it is an informal reference to time spent with close family, partners, or friends that is in some way important, special, productive, or profitable to one or everyone involved. It is time that is set aside for paying full and undivided attention to the person or matter at hand. It may also refer to time spent performing some favorite activity.

In order for me to improve the quality of time for myself and my family a few things are key.

Reflection

When I recently thought about how I could be a more present dad with all sort of distractions that goes on in the daily life, I came to a couple of conclusions.

The time when I considered myself to have been present during a day, I reflected on why I was present? What made me be more focused today and give my undivided attention to my fiancée and daughter?

The days when I had the feeling that I had done everything I could possibly do when it comes to working were a massive difference.

Whenever I felt like I had not been focused or done everything I could, I would be more distracted and not ”in the moment”.

Structure

When going to bed I try and make sure I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve the following day and when I will execute it.

Say for example that I decided to set time for work between 9-12 am, have lunch between 12-1 pm, then work from 1-3 pm, then sign off from work.

This is all very individually whatever works from person to person. But just to give an idea of how things can be done.

Tunnelvision focus

Being geographically free and having the freedom of time comes with challenges though.

What strategies do I use to get tunnelvision focused for work?

Having routines for when and where I work is key.

When my family knows what time is work-time, they know not to disturb and they will get that time back throughout the rest of the day.

Limiting the amount of hours that I work. That will improve the quality of my work.

If I get up in the morning with the idea of working a little bit here and there. My experience is that nothing gets done.

Why? Because it´s harder to get that tunnelvision focus when you can´t see the finish line.

If I work for 4-5 hours each day, I know that every hour counts and I will get the work done.

I will rather keep up with good habits, working consistently and focused for five hours a day, then working 8-9 hours with much less productivity.

Result

The outcome of all this?

I think you are smart enough to see the logic behind this. In the end, everything connects. If you´re happy, you will be able to give more to your family and they will be happy.

If you´re family is happy, I know you will be happy for sure. And the quality of your time will increase massively!