I have spent most of my free time since 14 years old in the pursuit of a gold buckle. Along with many of my friends, this pursuit of rodeo greatness consumed much of my thoughts and actions. When coupled with the fact I never even came close to greatness this is going to look like a pretty silly way to spend my life. Truth is, if I could do it all over again, I would change a few things. Yep, I’d work less and rope even harder. Some of you may think you are reading the words of an irresponsible bum. I’ve never been aware of anyone actually calling me a bum. Irresponsible? Maybe.

I felt I should mention that up front before proceeding with this week’s column. I am going to let you in on a secret I stumbled on to better organize your life. Someone with my dubious credentials would hardly seem qualified to tell anyone how to live their own life. Trust me, dismissing my words would be a mistake.

The world is full of very organized, highly educated efficiency experts prepared to tell us how to become better people. Their ideas probably come from a text book. Who would you rather take advice from, someone who keeps his left socks in a separate drawer from those he wears on his right or a self-admitted goof off? Which person has more experience finding time for irresponsible activities? I rest my case.

Here’s the secret I stumbled onto the other day that frees up valuable time for riding your horse, walking your dog, roping or playing golf. Simply plan an activity, then don’t do it. Confused? Let me explain.

Recently I had a twinge of responsibility and decided to sign up for a four-day clinic. A good friend with better work ethics than mine had become a world renowned Cattle Artificial Insemination Technician, offering clinics all over the world. When I learned he was going to conduct one nearby, I jumped at the chance to enroll. Here was a chance to learn a very technical skill from one of the best. I could use what I learned to improve the quality of the horses I ride and the cattle we raise. This giant step in the right direction would require four days of my undivided attention.

Weeks after signing up for the course, I began avoiding scheduling anything during those four days. Dentist appointment? Sorry, can’t come then. Vet wants to bangs vaccinate my replacement heifers? Need to reschedule. Horses need shod? Sorry. As the class grew closer, I grew more skillful at side stepping potential conflicts. Then, two days before the first day of class, it happened. One activity requiring a full day could not be avoided. There was no way around it. Of course, one day gone from a four day class was a deal breaker, especially for someone as academically challenged as I.

Regretfully I called my friend and canceled. I felt bad then, even worse the day I knew class had begun without me. Then it happened. While day three was unavoidably committed, days one, two and four were absolutely completely free. Nothing was planned those days at all. What would I do? Well, folks, I rode my horse, roped a little and went for a walk with my dog. It was during that walk, that I realized what had happened. Inadvertently I had discovered a method to work more free time into my life. Schedule an event, plan for it for weeks and work hard to keep a clear calendar. All the while you are doing this, rest assured, one single item will mess it all up. That’s the beauty of it all.

That gives you more time to goof off. Smart, huh?