Why I Changed My Flight

Leadership often comes down to one thing: making decisions you won’t regret.

This past Sunday was the kickoff to another basketball season after taking the summer off. 

In the weeks leading up to our first game, I found myself conflicted. A business trip had been on my calendar for months, and I wrestled with a decision: do I miss the game to attend Sunday’s kickoff training sessions, or do I coach the game and miss part of my work responsibilities? 

Either way, guilt felt inevitable. When I first booked my flight, I scheduled it so I’d miss the game and make every meeting. But as the date drew closer, the thought of not being there for my kids—and our team—kept weighing on me. 

Some might say, “It’s just one game” or “they won’t remember a year from now.” But to me, it was more than that. It was about modeling the kind of decision I hope my boys will make one day when they’re fathers. 

So, a week before the trip, I made the decision my heart was steering me to and changed my flight. I knew I’d miss some kickoff meetings on Sunday afternoon, but I also knew I was making the right choice—and that the people who matter most to me would agree. 

Sunday came. And I would’ve been sick to my stomach if I hadn’t been there. 

When training got underway Monday morning, colleagues asked (in a friendly manner, mind you), “Where were you last night?” When I shared my reason, every single person validated the decision. They knew I made the right call. 

Priority is singular. In leadership—whether at home or in business—we will always face tradeoffs. And the best decisions aren’t the ones that check every box—they’re the ones that leave us with the least regret.

#Priority #FamilyFirst #DadFirst #Leadership #Modeling