IOU Prime Time - Dr. Joe Famualro

Good morning friends. Meet Dr. Joe Famularo, the NYS 23-24 Superintendent of the Year! I was thrilled to have Dr. Joe on my podcast last year and was so super impressed. What an amazing leader and person! When we were done, I asked if he would be interested in continuing sharing his leadership by writing on my blog and he said "SURE!" About 30 minutes later, I received his blog post and I am super excited to share it with you! Thanks Dr. Joe for being an incredible, authentic leader and all that you do for education and beyond. Your award is well deserved!

Meet "Dr. Joe" as he is fondly called in Bellmore Schools, NY. Dr. Joe Famularo has led in Bellmore Schools for 33 years, and the last 18 as Superintendent. He is the 2024 NYS Superintendent of the Year! Under his leadership, Bellmore Schools has flourished becoming the first school in NYS to be a Lighthouse District for Leadership by FranklinCovey Education. A musician, author, and more Dr. Joe leads with a collaborative approach and keeps kids at the heart of his focus.

Unlocking Your IOU Prime Time

You Owe it to Yourself!

In today's fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. We often find ourselves juggling work, family, and personal commitments, leaving little room to invest in what truly matters—ourselves. But what if I told you that there's a way to reclaim your time and make the most of it? It's all about discovering your "Prime Time" and embracing the power of IOU: Inward living, Outward living, and Receiving the Upside of life through Upward living.

Let's start by addressing a common misconception: "Prime Time" isn't limited to what's broadcast on television during the evening hours. Instead, it's the window of time when you are at your most focused, energized, and productive. It's that golden period of the day when you can accomplish tasks with ease and efficiency. It can be any time of day – morning, afternoon, or evening. The Key is that it occurs when you are focused, energized and productive. 

For many people, "Prime Time" occurs during the evening hours when they've wrapped up their daily responsibilities and involves relaxing and winding down. However, I have a confession to make—I rarely watch TV during those prime-time slots. Instead, I've learned to leverage this valuable time to invest in myself, focusing on activities that truly matter to me. Make your prime time a sanctuary of focus. Turn off the TV, silence your phone, and create a dedicated workspace. By eliminating distractions, you'll find that your productivity soars. It’s your “Prime Time” not others! 

Here's how you can make the most of your IOU Prime Time:

I for Inward Living:
Prioritize your inner self. Identify the activities that ignite your passion and creativity from within. Whether it's meditation, journaling, reading, or self-reflection, allocate your prime time for these activities that nourish your soul and foster personal growth. Define your objectives for your prime time. Having clear goals will help you stay on track and make the most of your time.

O for Outward Living:
Extend your prime-time energy to contribute positively to the world around you. Engage in acts of kindness, volunteer work, or projects that make a difference in your community. Use your prime time to create a positive impact beyond yourself.

U for Upward Living: Receiving PH2E:
When you focus on your prime time both inwardly and outwardly, you begin to receive PH2E: Peacefulness, Happiness, Healthiness, and Excellence. This holistic approach to using your prime time with intention not only elevates your own life but also positively impacts the world around you. It's a powerful cycle of personal and collective growth that brings these valuable qualities into your life.

By focusing on IOU during your prime time, you're making a conscious choice to use your time with intention. You're not only investing in your personal growth but also extending your reach outward to positively influence your community and, in turn, receiving the uplifting benefits of upward living.

Remember, it's not about completely avoiding TV or entertainment. It's about finding a balance that allows you to nurture your own growth and passions while also spreading positivity and receiving the rewards of a life lived with intention.

So, the next time you find yourself tempted by the allure of prime-time television, consider the untapped potential of your own prime time. Discover what you're truly passionate about, set goals, eliminate distractions, and watch as you unlock your full potential—one intentional moment at a time, with IOU guiding the way.