The Joys Of A Finished Project

I grew up watching Bob Vila and This Old House. He became a role model for me and an introduction into the world of construction. Being the only son my dad naturally included me in house repairs around the house. Then when I was 12 he bought me a torch, solder, some copper pipes and a Bob Vila book on how to do plumbing. Together we converted our house to copper lines then we tackled the drain lines converting them to ABS and PVC.

After getting married we bought a 100 year old house. I cut my teeth on tiling, wiring, and carpentry as we remodeled every square inch of that house. It was somewhere in that timeframe that I told my friend, "I want to build my own house someday."

Today is my 32nd wedding anniversary.

Christie and I got married when we were young. I was 21 years old and she was old enough to vote, but not able to legally have champagne at the wedding. A gentleman never reveals his wife's age or weight. Of course I thought I knew what I needed in a spouse back then. I was confident and resolute in my choice. However, after thirty-two years I can tell you with certainty I was as green as they come.

That said, marrying her is the best leadership decision I have ever made. This might sound like an odd way to put it. But I mean it exactly that way.

One of the biggest leadership decisions you will ever make is who you marry.

Not the job you take. Not the org you build. Not the degree you earn or the mentor you find. Who you come home to every single night will shape your leadership more than any of those things combined. I have watched this play out in the lives of friends and peers for three decades. The ones who married well lead better. Not always. But more often than not.

Here is why it matters so much.