Russert and McKay Lived Authentically and as a Result, Respect Followed Them
Journalists were examples of how to happily live value-driven lives
June 24, 2008
HARTLAND, WI --
In less than one week, Americans heard how two giants in the television business loved their work and their families even more. NBC Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of "Meet the Press," Tim Russert, collapsed and died June 13 and just six days prior, sports journalism and fans lost CBS legend and host of "Wide World of Sports," Jim McKay.
While they lived different lifestyles -- McKay's assignments required regular worldwide travel while Russert's schedule was regularly spent at NBC studios in New York and Washington -- they lived with passion for their jobs and families. They worked many more hours than the stereotypical Monday through Friday, 9-5 time cards, yet both lived their family pride and devotion as publicly as their professions.
Call Russert and McKay pioneers in work-life balance. Today their examples of lives purposefully lived make them coaches.
"If you're honest with yourself and others about what truly makes you happy, that positive energy will not only make you a more productive professional, but a valued and loved partner and parent at home," said David Bohl, owner of Slow Down FAST ( www.slowdownfast.com ).
Bohl's clients, that span the globe, enlist his help when they feel bogged down and are unhappy with their seeming lack of control in their lives.
"Many of the people with whom I work live what they think should be the perfect lifestyle; they hold high-profile jobs that pay peak salaries that come with lots of perks," Bohl said. "The problem is, however, they find themselves torn between values [of themselves and their employers] or never have time to enjoy the benefits provided on paper by the business. Now, tell them that they can spend quality time with their families and feel proud of their jobs outside their homes, and these individuals would feel like they had it all."
He said that if people identified what really matters to them and set workable timetables to achieve their goals, they will look at their lives differently and in time, live them differently.
"The best thing a person can do for himself is to live honestly, authentically and live a life that matters to them."
Russert did, and his family and friends, as has been so broadly documented during the last week-and-a-half, enjoyed every moment. He shared his love for life and its bustle with everyone with whom he came in contact, and reminded them that they were equally important. McKay earned trust from his audiences, and was a revered storyteller, roles that according to his children, continued with emotion after he arrived home from assignments that ranged from the wackiness of "Wide World of Sports" or the tradition of the Kentucky Derby.
Both reporters may not have seen themselves as teachers or coaches, but they empowered others by example to work and enjoy life harmoniously. We would be best served to keep those lessons in the forefront of each dayand live with purpose, honesty, intellect and affection.
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David Bohl is a life, professional and personal development coach who subscribes to the theory that when you make each decision an intuitive and intentional one, you become more efficient and effective... and you discover the shortest path to the results you want. Author of "The Happiness Trilogy" and other growth-inspired essays, he is available for interview upon request to Gail Sideman at (262) 240-7433.
Contact:
David B. Bohl
Reflections Coaching LLC
Slow Down FAST
N77 W28559 Appaloosa Lane
Hartland, Wisconsin 53029
Email: david@slowdownfast.com
Web: http://www.SlowDownFAST.com
