Sometimes life can be a juggling act. Having a work-life balance can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Managing one’s time is a skill that takes a lifetime to perfect, and that’s where the art of prioritization comes into play.

What is your top priority in life right now? Why? How have your priorities changed over time?

Good Dads talked with seasoned Prime driver James Burrow this week to discuss the importance of prioritization for Prime dads. He said maintaining a work-life balance is difficult, but goal setting and communication can go a long way to help.

Plan for the future and keep an open mind

James has been with Prime for over 20 years, and he says he hopes to work another 20 more. With this, he’s aware of the changes that come with age, such as a loss of hearing and eyesight— both of which are crucial to working over-the-road.

“I’m only young for so long,” he said.

As he thinks about the future, James has “bounced around ideas,” expressing interest in continuing to work for Prime, but not working over the road, such as nighttime dispatch or yard management.

With time management and prioritization, thinking about and planning for the future is important as a driver and a father. Your job and your family may evolve over time. Keeping an open mind about life changes will help you to use your experiences in new applications.

A failure to set priorities could have negative consequences

Prime has been and continues to be a sustainable job for James.

“You never know how long you can do this job,” James admitted. “I never thought I’d be out here for 20 years, and here I am 20 years later.”

However, James has met older drivers who, he assumes, failed to prioritize their finances and their families, leading to them being “broke and lonely,” as James described.

These are just some of the consequences for not planning ahead and being intentional about your priorities. Finding a balance is hard, but it comes with practice. Try not to put all your eggs in one basket, that is, focusing on only one priority and neglecting other priorities in your life.

Lead by example

James says it’s best for dads to start teaching their children about weighing priorities when they are young.

“Prioritizing is like organization; you have to start young with it and show it to them,” he said. “Lead by example. If you aren’t prioritized, organized, or have a path, then they’ll never learn it.”

James admitted that his parents weren’t organized people, but he became more organized as he got older. At this point in his career, he says he’s focusing on two main areas in life: One is continuing to put his all into work and being a safe driver. Two is focusing on fostering his relationship with his wife, Lesley.

By leading by example—by knowing what his priorities are and by taking them seriously—James is confident that his children, who are all grown up, have what it takes prioritize and make the right choices.

Strong communication skills are important when prioritizing

For James, communication is key. He said it’s important your children know they can call you, even if they make a mistake.

“Good communication helps them,” he said. “Instead of screaming and throwing a fit, give them suggestions and options of, ‘If you do this, this will happen,’ and they’ll have to figure it out.”

Be flexible

Things change over time, especially when it comes to schedules and unexpected events. For Prime drivers, it’s no different.

“You’ll never know what will pop up that you have to get to,” James said.

James says there are bills, holidays and special events, and other factors that Prime drivers must juggle during their career. However, he says that if he needs to, he can go home and take care of something.

“Prime cares about those things the best that they can,” he said.

Your schedule is forever evolving as an over-the-road dad. New tasks will crop up, and sometimes you must adjust your priorities.

“You have to be flexible,” James emphasized. “If things change through the day, you have to change with it. You can’t be rigid.”

Take things one step at a time

If we are faced with lots of tasks to accomplish in a short period of time, life can get overwhelming. James suggests focusing on one task at a time. For him, starting with the smaller tasks and working his way down the list works best.

“Make a list if needed,” he said, “do the next one, and eventually, you’ll be at the end of the day. Don’t think of all the tasks that need to be done. Focus on one task at a time.”

Find a routine that works for you

Routines provide structure in our lives and can make it easier to manage our time and prioritize. Throughout his career at Prime, a part of James’ routine when he’s home from being over-the-road is to eat dinner at the kitchen table with his family.

“Turn the TV off and have meals at the table,” he said. “The kids will battle against it at first, but once everybody gets to talk and laugh, it gets to a point where they enjoy it. It’s for their own good.”

James says that this approach worked best while his kids were growing up, explaining that eliminating distractions at mealtimes gave his family a unique opportunity to bond.

Final Words

James said that managing your time can be stressful, but it’s important to focus on the things that are in your control. There’s no point stressing out, because with some things, there’s nothing you can do.

“Don’t pay attention or let things bother you that you can’t fix,” James said. “People are going to do what they’re going to do. Worry about the problems you can actually fix, the rest will fix themselves.”