Over the weekend I traveled out to Las Vegas to attend New Media Expo (NMX). I’ve already posted a bit on the conference so I won’t rehash what’s already been said. In a word, the conference was remarkable. I met so many forward-leaning passionate people who are at the forefront of a budding media revolution that I could not help but be inspired. Of course this sounds like I’m being overly dramatic, but it’s absolutely true.
Delivery mechanisms of content and technology are evolving at breakneck speed. Innovation and creativity are converging even further, resulting in an environment of scintillating entertainment and value delivered to a multitude of consumers worldwide and on-demand. Whether you are a blogger, podcaster, webTV participant, or simply a consumer the world is changing and you have the opportunity to join this glorious wave of transformation.
Beyond the high level conceptual new media movement, there was one particular factor in which I was interested given my personal passion. Fatherhood. Specifically, being the best dad you can be for your kids while also holding down a full-time job and still finding the time to explore your passion.
Going into the conference, I knew a number of the leaders in the space had kids. What I discovered was eye-opening and moving. Many more players in the industry than I initially imagined were also fathers. As I was talking to people throughout the weekend I was surprised by how many were dads. There were plenty of moms amongst the crowd doing big things as well, but given my focus on fatherhood this was something I couldn’t help but notice.
It was actually quite reassuring knowing moms and dads were engaged and in effect driving a good portion of this movement. People often think bleeding edge technology adoption and usage is reserved for the younger generation. I was proud to see all the moms and dads proving that assertion inaccurate.
Every time one of the speakers talked about being a dad or mentioned their kids, my ears would perk up. Every time I stopped someone in the hall to talk about their online journey I would hear it again. You could sense their deep set pride of being a parent, even with a cursory mention of their family. It was encouraging and really reaffirmed my existing belief that it CAN be done.
You CAN find the time to do it all. Don’t sit on the couch and claim there isn’t enough time. That’s bullshit. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. Influential leaders like Chris Brogan, Pat Flynn, Michael Stelzner, Scott Stratten, Erik Fisher, Jared Easley, Rick Calvert, Cliff Ravenscraft, Lee Odden, Michael Hyatt, Dan Miller, Ray Edwards, etc are all rockin’ the social media world while also being dads.
I’m sure this minutiae point within their bio went unnoticed by most attendees however it resonated deeply with me. You know what it takes to be a dad. You know the daily struggles we face trying to be a provider, nurturer, and leader. You know how you sacrifice to be there for your kids and do for them before you do for self. You know what it’s like to come home from a long day at work only to be met by further demands of your time. You know what it is to do everything in your power to give your kids the life they deserve.
With all of that said, you should also know that your dreams are still attainable. Don’t be complacent and settle into a pattern of complaining while you sit your ass on the couch watching Honey Boo Boo marathons. It’s there for the taking. Find the time to do something today while still engaging with your family. As was proven over the weekend, repeatedly, it is possible.
Stellar post Jeff! You are absolutely right that is is possible and your words should be encouraging to anyone thinking otherwise. I think it is important to point out that with all that leaders like Chris Brogan, Pat Flynn, Michael Stelzner, Scott Stratten, Cliff Ravenscraft, etc. have created – it is still the creation of their children of which they are the most proud. While they worked tirelessly to create a passive income through podcasting, blogging, etc. they do it to have the ability to spend more time with their kids. We all have goals and the more powerful your is the more likely you are to fight to make it a reality. Thank you for writing such an inspiring piece!
Very good point Brian. We grind hard every day for our kids. Thanks for the awesome feedback. Hope you are doing well.
Hey Jeff… thank you for the mention! You are a gentleman & an officer
Thanks Jared! But I’m just the man replying to the MAN’s comment. Keep doing what you’re doing.
I’ll throw some MOM into the DAD mix! Glad that I found you via Jared Easley. Jeff – do you have a “day job” in addition to being a parent and content creator? I’m curious? I find working my 40-50 hr/wk day job and being a mom limits my time for my online/social media adventures – as evidenced by my own blog that is not currently updated – shame on me!
I look forward to connecting more in the future!
Awesome! Jared is the man! I do have a day job. I work a 40-50 hr week as well as a Solutions Architect for a large systems integrator. I completely agree that time is a fleeting commodity in our lives. I’m not sure how old your kids are but mine are tween and teens which adds to the daily chaos in my life. That’s why I call my online platform Crazy Dad Life. Between work, kids, and exploring your passion…it gets crazy. You should like you are in the same boat as me. We definitely need to stay in touch.
Thanks for the reply! My daughter will be 6 in a couple of weeks – I have just one – that’s enough for me! I love the idea of blogging about the daily chaos, it’s a running theme for most parents. I definitely feel like I’m in the same boat too. Fine Art Mom was born with the goal of re-igniting the creative in me and sharing it with my daughter. Also wanting other parents to share art/creativity with their kids. Looking forward to staying in touch!