Seeing free time as an opportunity for motivation, not mindlessness

Some people throw on a pair of sweatpants and cue up reruns of their favorite sitcom as soon as they leave the office. This is their way to unwind and escape.

Jonathan D.W. Lewis, an 11-year MDRT member from Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, is not one of these people.

“I don’t like wasting time; I don’t like absorbing content if it doesn’t make me a better father, friend or businessperson,” he said. “I love content that challenges me and builds me up through learning.”

This means that when Lewis is driving, he listens to audio of a pastor or business coach. When he is running on a treadmill as he trains for a marathon, he watches a self-improvement video or, less often, an action movie for extra motivation. (And this is not brainless material either — his last selection was “Ali,” starring Will Smith as Muhammad Ali.)

Constant inspiration is uplifting and energizing rather than draining, he noted, adding that this also includes coaching his kids’ baseball team — and getting to practice early to play catch and staying late after.

“I’m 41, but I love to play. Playing for me is escape,” he said. “Every now and then, my wife and I will watch a movie with the kids. We can’t wait for the new ‘Star Wars’; we’ll be dressed up in full ‘Star Wars’ garb to make it fun for the kids.

“But I’d much rather have a date night and take my wife for dinner than sit at home and stare at the TV.”

For more Whole Person ideas

•        “Well mind and body” (pdf)
•        “Don’t allow negativity” (video)
•        “Whole Person balance quiz” (pdf)

Written by Matt Pais, MDRT Content Specialist