Protected time

MDRT members have found success in their professional lives. But the real measure of an accomplished life is balancing career achievements with strong relationships, good health, personal values, commitment to service, intellectual development and financial security.

While work may find a way to creep into time intended for pursuing other goals, many MDRT members have identified strategies to guard against this without sacrificing their professional success.

Calendar control

Hard-and-fast rules are rarely successful with an advisor’s schedule, said 18-year MDRT member Barjes R. Angulo, LUTCF, RICP, but he has implemented several intentional changes that leave him with more time for himself and his family. First, he organizes his calendar way in advance — 12 to 18 months out — to be able to accommodate his ideal week. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are for meeting clients, and Friday provides an opportunity to catch up with his team and plan for the week ahead. This scheduling ensures his weekend time is protected for his family — only on rare occasions does he make an exception. “An advisor can easily get caught up working every day trying to accommodate every client and never be home with the family,” Angulo said. “Blocking my calendar allows me to protect our family vacations, anniversaries and other special events.”

Staying in balance

As MDRT approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, we look back on one of the cornerstones of MDRT — the commitment to the Whole Person concept (MDRT member-exclusive content), which began 65 years ago. A Whole Person is balanced within their professional life and personal life. They make time for their clients, family and community.

Since the introduction of the Whole Person concept, MDRT members have embraced it in many ways. Volunteering within MDRT remains a popular way for members to give back to their profession, and partnering with charities in their communities to work with the MDRT Foundation is a way for members to give back to their own communities around the world.

For more about MDRT’s 100th anniversary, including how to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, visit mdrt100.org for updates.

This article was excerpted from the article “Protected time” in the September/October 2026 issue of Round the Table, which MDRT members can read online.