Insert the Michael Jordan quote, “And I took that personally.”

People say this all the time. I do not think it should be used as a scare tactic.

Instead, I think it should sound more like this. Keep doing what you are doing to be your best, but understand you will have to be intentional with your time so you can prioritize your family while still getting things done.

Having a kid does not have to be the end of your life. It can be the beginning of a better one. It gives you the chance, with your current best friend, your significant other, to bring another best friend into the world and raise them the right way while continuing this journey of life together.

Hard things are hard, but they are worth it. There are no shortcuts for the things that truly matter. I am not saying it will be easy, but it is absolutely possible. If something or someone is important to you, you will make time. Read that again. If something or someone is important to you, you will make time.

I have heard a lot of excuses over the years. Sometimes people even try to project things onto you because they are insecure in their own habits. Here are a couple I hear often.

“You are so lucky you have time to work out. I don’t have time.”

You are right. I do have time at 3:30 in the morning when I decide to wake up. I choose to make time for my health because I think it is important, and I function better because of it.

“My wife and I got along great, too. Just wait until you have kids.”

No. Prioritize making time for your wife. Kids do not have to get in the way. If anything, they can make things better. Do the little things. Get your wife breakfast. Bring home flowers. Take her to dinner. Something I am working on myself is helping more around the house, even just doing the laundry.

“I started, but I messed up — so I just stopped.”

I heard a great analogy for this. If you spill a little bit of your drink, are you going to dump out the whole thing? Of course not. No one is perfect. Focus on being your best most of the time and understand there will be stumbles. How you respond is what matters.

This is one of my favorites. “You need to eat a cheeseburger.”

No, sir, you probably need fewer cheeseburgers. Somehow, in our society, eating healthy and taking care of yourself is seen as odd or different. Think about that. People will actually try to talk you out of doing the right thing.

These are just a few examples of things you may hear that try to derail you. Do what you believe is right. By making time to better yourself and strengthen your relationship with your significant other, you are giving your kids a better life.

The best ability is availability. Be as healthy as you can be for your family. Be there. Be present. Be a superhero for your kids.

And show them what a loving relationship looks like.

So my point to you is this. Having kids can make things more challenging, and there will be sacrifices. But keep the main thing the main thing. Raise your child to be the best they can be, and in the process, be the best version of yourself. Show them the way.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15