As crushing a fact as it may be, we all have to realize our own mortalities at some point in our lives. We have to accept that we each can only have a very short period on this Earth, so it is important that we make the most of what little time we have. For some people, this may mean chasing happiness, but it’s debatable whether that is the most effective use of your time.
Instead, I feel that it is far more important to consider the lasting impact that you have on this world and the legacy that you leave behind. It may be quite the challenge, but you want to be lying on your deathbed with absolutely no regrets, knowing that you have lived life to its fullest and accomplished everything that you wanted to accomplish.
The Complete Life
Part of this comes from having a strong work ethic and putting in those hours even when you don’t really want to work. It means that you go after the greater good, even when the individual steps along the way may be less desirable. It also means that you should lead your life as holistically as possible.
It’s far too easy to get caught up in just one or two aspects of your life. Yes, it is important to achieve some success in your financial and vocational realms, but that is not a complete success. What about the personal relationships you forge or the sense of fulfillment that you can have at the end of the day? Can you be satisfied with your achievements?
You could look at this from the perspective of caring for your fellow man, but it could also come from helping those closest to you or leaving a lasting legacy of some form. Don’t be afraid to be ambitious in the setting of your goals, but remember that loftier goals will require greater effort on your part.
Hello There, Grandpa!
One of the best ways that you can determine whether you are leading your life the way that you think you should is to picture yourself on the porch of a senior home. You’ve settled into the retired life and you’re sitting on the rocking chair, staring off into the distance. From this perspective, look back at what you’ve done with your life and the effect that you have had on those around you.
Can you be satisfied with this, based on what you have done so far and the path that you are taking now? If not, it may be time to make some changes. Look ahead into the future, so you can look back at the present. We can never know what the future will hold, but we can steer the ship in the direction we choose.
Legacy is a good topic. Scrooge brings that up and in many ways that is the whole topic.
Enough money to pay the bills, family to grow old with and friends to spend time with. Those are the things that matter. If you haven’t developed the family and friends the money doesn’t matter. I look forward to a great 2nd fifty years because I have two beautiful kids and a loving wife.
Great post – we all need a regular reminder that life is short, and you can’t take money to the grave. That said, pursuing your ambitions will only make you a happier person and better spouse/friend parent if you do it with authenticity and integrity. I hope I can die without regrets.