#45 Putting and Keeping First Things First

Every dad starts out with the best intentions. But somewhere between the deadlines, the promotions, the packed schedules, and the sheer weight of life — the most important things start getting the least attention. Sound familiar? In this episode, Mike Ayers gets honest about the tension every thinking dad feels: you want to be present, you know the years are flying by, yet you still find yourself running on empty with nothing left to give the people who matter most. The struggle isn't new — and it's not a character flaw. But it does require a courageous decision to live differently. Mike walks through the three laws of time and human nature that keep dads stuck, the critical difference between proclaimed values and practiced values, and a practical Assess-Plan-Act framework for putting first things first — and keeping them there. Because integrity isn't just a moral concept. Integrity is when your schedule matches your values. The years with your kids are short. The window is closing. But it's not too late to start.