Don't Forget You

The fall planning season is upon us and you have done some amazing things this year. The property is in good shape physically and fiscally, the staff is in good spirits and you can afford to take a moment to reflect. Then you realize a few things such as that you have not been to the doctor or a dentist in years and that your 401K/retirement account has been running on true auto pilot since the last century. You devise a plan to plan to take care of this important personal maintenance next year, only next year never seems to arrive. There are too many things that need your constant attention. This year take your fall planning to another level by making your personal maintenance a priority. Here are three quick tips to take care of your personal maintenance within your fall planning process.

Schedule and Complete Routine Physical Checkups
The annual physical checkup is usually covered 100% by most medical insurance plans so take advantage of this benefit and schedule appointment with your medical doctor and make sure you are in the best physical condition possible. This also applies to dental checkups (twice a year). It is also important to do a little more than the minimum especially as you get older. I have for the last ten years added an annual trip to the dermatologist to my list. After spending the last 50 or so years in the sun I am happy to report for an examination every year just to be safe, so should you. To my fellow superintendents that are over the age of 50 you can add every five years a colonoscopy to your planning list and if you have had polyps removed you can shorten your procedural interval to three years. It is seldom convenient but it is necessary, you have everything to gain and unfortunately you also have everything to lose. 

Random Act of Kindness
The spirit to serve is uniquely human and can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning. However, we as superintendents are often very busy and there are times that we simply cannot do all of the things we want to do or support all of the causes that are important to us. Take some time this fall to do at least one thing (big or small) to help someone or something that makes you feel like you made a difference. Pay the bill for the person behind you at the drive through. Pay for the young mothers groceries who seems a bit overwhelmed ahead of you at the grocery store checkout line. Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, First Tee or any local organization. Donate time, money or talents to churches, missionaries, schools, libraries or civic groups. I promise that if you look for the chance to serve you will be amazed at how quick you find a way to serve and how that service will help you find your happy place. Remember that the smallest action trumps the grandest intention so follow your instinct if you feel compelled to help someone or something just do it, no regrets.

Turn Off the Noise
When was the last time that you turned off the noise? Do you even remember the last time that you had no cell phone, television, tablet or other devices and definitely no social media or traditional media (including newspapers)? Allow me to ask another question, in the last year what was the longest consecutive time (sleeping does not count) that you turned off the noise and disconnected? We are overloaded with information and expectation and its taking a toll on our health and wellness. Set a goal to turn off the noise for at least 24 hours (48 hours if you are bold). Make arrangements to make sure your responsibilities are covered but seriously disconnect and just be quiet. You can reflect, write, take a hike do any number of things but the goal is to stop the constant flow of texts, emails, posts and updates and just live a simpler way. You may be surprised at just how loud your daily grind has become and how we lived before the information age. Take control of your life again and see what ideas and projects surface during your quiet time.

The fall planning season is an exciting time full of budgets, early order programs and deadlines but it is also a great time to make some investments in your personal maintenance. Your health and well being are often the first things that are sacrificed while striving to be successful in the modern fast paced world of golf course management. This fall start a new tradition and take some time and plan to take of yourself first. You are worth it!

Anthony Williams, CGCS, is the director of golf course maintenance and landscaping at the Four Seasons Resort Club Dallas at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.