Watching Film

My mother keeps asking me if I found a job yet. In fact, that’s the number one question I’m asked outside of how I’m feeling in remission. Which I guess is a reasonable inquiry lest people wonder if I’m just binge watching Netflix all summer long. Even my wife thought I’d be stir crazy after a couple months, but it’s been a treat just to get immersed in family activities and synced with my kids’ summer schedule with no school work for any of us.

My 9-year old daughter already wondered out loud if I will get every summer off in the future like her. While I was about to give her the rude awakening of becoming an adult, part of me might be asking the same question. Why not take extended time off each year? What would it take to structurally change the normal cadence of work, particularly while my kids are still in the house for the next 9 years (and only 6 for the boy – sorry honey, it’s a mathematical fact).

A few years ago, I distinctly remember having a conversation on the road with one of my long-time partners about the backwards balance of travel and work demands with the time sensitivity of our young families. While our kids are around and need us the most, our workload tends to be the heaviest as we rise in our career and earnings trajectory. In contrast, we typically get more flexibility to travel less or manage our own schedules once the kids either don’t care or might already be gone.

So how can I be more available all the time going forward, not just during a season of transition (aka unemployed)? What does it take to be fully present with flexibility now rather than later when it doesn’t matter as much? While many jobs and companies may not welcome this thinking let alone its application, it may be as simple as making a decision about non-negotiables. Andy Stanley just asked a thoughtful question on his leadership podcast that may help: ask what you value most rather than what you want now. It’s a helpful exercise on long-term thinking trumping short-term compromise in a world that screams instant gratification.

I also learned in another podcast that Bob Goff approached his partners when he was 29 and said he was taking the next 3 months off to be with his family during the summer. Funny enough they said no, but he didn’t show up on Monday anyway. And interestingly they didn’t do anything about it either (it helped that he was the most productive partner at the law firm). But I like that he decided what he valued most and acted on it, even if it meant that he might have to go find another job.

Back to my mom’s question. What in the world am I doing if I’m not working or even looking for work at the moment? I admit that I am watching a lot of film before I begin to actively pursue my next chapter. But think Monday morning quarterback in the dark film room with laser pointers, not the halls of MoviePass. I’m purposefully watching the playback of my first chapter while also scouting the opposing defense for the next game. What are other teams doing to stop complicated blitz schemes and advance the ball? What does it take to be excellent yet full of poise and endurance?

For the elite quarterbacks, film study and preparation are notable markers to slow the game down on the field of play. They can not only see things more clearly but demonstrate a sixth sense of anticipation. For those just trying to wing it on pure talent and instinct, the game moves too fast to make wise real-time decisions. Naturally most of the top 1% are gifted with natural ability, but they have also put in the time to watch, rehearse, study, and practice. And repeat. And repeat.

Tiger Woods watched his dad play golf for hundreds of hours before he could even walk. While that may not be the healthiest discipline for an infant, there’s a reason he exploded onto the scene in the late 90s to forever change golf. Using Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours to master one’s craft, Tiger likely achieved this mark by the time he was 12. By comparison, Bill Gates and the Beatles put in their 10,000 closer to their early 20s, or double the age of Tiger. And most of us are likely double that assuming we’re even half as focused and disciplined as this lot of high-achievers.

So I press on to prepare with purpose. Which requires more study, thought, reading, reflection, and a constant state of prayer. Although I’m not hunting for perfection or even the perfect vocation. But I do know that something greater and more significant is on the horizon, and anything worthwhile doesn’t just happen by chance. I have to be intentional and on my toes. If I didn’t invest the time now, I know I’ll get sacked in under 3 seconds and acquire a bad habit of throwing the ball away with any hint of a mad rush. As Kevin Costner repeatedly said to himself in The Perfect Game, “Clear the mechanism.” And all the noise and distractions then vanish so that clarity and focus may enter.

That’s my job at the moment, ma.