5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There Is Never Enough Time

2Reality Check

So, let's get to your reality. Do people really know you? Would they say that you are normally present with them or constantly in your own world? It is time to get real and honest with your ability, or lack thereof, to connect with others, to be present with them, and to be able to balance work and life in a meaningful way.

Reality, according to dictionary.com, is “the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.” Therefore, to get to reality, one has to verbalize the actual state of things by admitting what does and does not exist.

Personally, I have a hard time connecting with people who are not interested in global ideas or in talking about philosophic concepts. That is a fact, and it's a reality for me. The consequence of this is that at times I can quietly shut down or become disinterested if I perceive someone to be boring or small-minded. That sounds harsh in writing, but it is so true. That is my reality check: If I am not careful, I can look like a prima donna around ideas on leadership or culture change and the like.

Steve Cockram is the cofounder of GiANT Worldwide and codeveloper of the 5 Gears concept. I love to hear Steve describe his reality check when his in-laws took his family on a cruise to Belgium. Hear his reality below:

My wife's parents gifted us with a vacation to celebrate their anniversary. Helen and I, along with our three girls, boarded the cruise ship with mixed emotions. ...