Gotta Have Goals with Alan Harkness

On today's episode of Messy Middlescence, we talk with Alan Harkness, the husband of our oldest sister, Amy.  Alan shares his inspiring life story, starting with his journey from almost failing out of college to becoming a renowned library director. He discusses his passion for libraries and the joy he finds in his work, as well as the challenges and rewards of leadership. Alan emphasizes the importance of relationships in both personal and professional life, highlighting how building trust and connections with others can lead to success. He shares his strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance, including the significance of exercise for mental well-being. Looking ahead, Alan discusses his plans for retirement and how he hopes to continue contributing to his community through teaching and other activities. This episode offers valuable insights into finding meaning, navigating change, and prioritizing relationships in middleescence. This is the first of two episodes with Alan. This episode focuses more on his professional life and growth. The next episode will talk about recently losing his mother and the journey of having her move in with them for 6.5 years before going into an assisted living home. Here are some of the highlights from today's episode: Alan struggled his first two years of college and attributes his success ever since to setting goals.  Alan has a strong desire to help in the community. A special memory was celebrating his oldest graduating from high school AND also the christening of their youngest child the same weekend. How having a 1.6 mile commute and maturity has helped him have the best work life balance of his life to date, even working 10 hour days. Alan did not start exercising regularly until his father passed away. His father's death motivated him to take better care of himself. How Alan started exercising for his physcial health and was surprised at how much it has helped him with his mental health too. Alan is making a concious effort to work on friendships outside of his family, both old friends and more recent ones. Alan bought a clarinet and has been playing which is "good for his soul." After Alan retires from being the library director, he is considering adjunct teaching. The key to being a good leader is to hire the right people and help them be their best.  He enjoys his job - the variety and challenge. It keeps him humble. Relationships are a focus both professionally and personally.