CFO of the Institute of Population Health Lawrence Mathews thinks about how his decisions in 2014 will shape the years to come.
As I look out the window, at the city of Detroit skyline, I think about what a great year this has been with our son and daughter both getting married. This year really has gone by fast. Most of this year was spent in the wedding planning mode. Now, I have a new year facing me that will present me with new challenges and opportunities.
My wife and I had this discussion on Saturday, December 7. We were sitting at the table, and we just started talking about my future: What do I want to be when I grow up? Considering that I always have a rolling five-year plan, it is only appropriate that I put down in writing some of these goals for next year, 2014.
Make More Time for Us
I have always been a firm believer in keeping my priorities straight: God, family, work. This is why I have always placed such a high value on family vacations. With our children’s marriages, I must give my wife more time. This will include a Mediterranean cruise in 2014, and some other major trip. I will not teach this summer, which will make room in my schedule for this plan. Having the summer open will also give us more time to visit our son and daughter-in-law in Chicago.
Begin Preparing for Another Opportunity
I have decided that it is time for me to update my manuscript and turn this into another opportunity. My manuscript is called “The First Day… The Art of Surviving Being Downsized, Rightsized, or Whatever They Want to Call It.” I wrote this manuscript in 2005. My ultimate goal is to use my experiences and tour the country as a motivational speaker.
Continue to Live a Healthy Lifestyle
I rise early, 4:30 in the morning; then exercise, swim a mile at our local Y; have a solid breakfast of cereal, toast, breakfast meat, juice and my vitamins; and then I attack the day. I do not eat lunch, and I avoid sugar. I am very careful about my calorie intake at dinner. I am in excellent health and will continue this regimen in 2014. I will continue to live a healthy lifestyle.
Lawrence Mathews is Chief Financial Officer for the Institute of Population Health. Mathews was featured in Issue No. 8 of Forefront.
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