Cherish the Moments

By: Ryan DuBois

If you don’t see much action from me over the next couple of weeks, it’s because my Gram is in town. Growing up, she was more than just my grandmother—she was like a mother to me. My grandparents took my mom and I in during a challenging time in our lives, and they played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

Having her here now brings back a flood of memories and reminds me of the importance of family. It also makes me reflect on the time I’ve spent chasing "success" in my career—time that, in hindsight, might have been better balanced with moments shared with loved ones. As I pause and think about this, I want to share a few insights that I’ve learned along the way:

• Make the time to be present with your loved ones. No meeting or deadline is more important than the connections that fill your life with meaning.
• Book the trip you’ve been putting off. Adventure and relaxation with family and friends create memories that will far outlast any work achievement.
• Find ways to work remotely and carve out more time to be with those who lift you up. Balance is key and integrating your personal life with your professional one can lead to greater fulfillment.

We’re only here for a moment—a fleeting snap of the fingers. Life is short; make every moment count.

"Family is not an important thing, it's everything." — Michael J. Fox

Connecting with others outside of work isn’t just good for the soul; it actually propels your success. Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has tracked individuals for over 80 years, reveals that the quality of our relationships is the single most important factor in determining both our happiness and longevity. Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

Furthermore, a Stanford University study found that employees who took regular breaks and disconnected from work returned with renewed focus and creativity, leading to a 46% increase in productivity.

So don’t wait:

• Take up that new hobby. Whether it’s painting, hiking, or learning a musical instrument, hobbies fuel your creativity and provide a much-needed break from the daily grind. As Pablo Picasso once said,

“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”

Engaging in something new can ignite that spark of inspiration and bring fresh energy to all areas of your life.

• Sign up to volunteer. Giving back is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. It not only enriches the lives of others but also helps you find deeper meaning in your own.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

By stepping outside of your routine to help others, you discover parts of yourself that may have been long forgotten or overlooked.

• Donate your time and resources. Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer. Whether it’s mentoring a young professional, helping out at a local charity, or simply being there for a friend in need, your contributions can make a profound impact.

• Give back from the gifts you’ve been blessed with. Each of us has unique talents and resources that can be used to uplift others. Whether it’s sharing your knowledge, your network, or your financial resources, giving back not only strengthens your community but also brings a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Most importantly, truly disconnect. When you take a vacation, really take it. Put the phone away. Stop sneaking emails in the bathroom—you know what I’m talking about—and trust your team to handle things in your absence. As Stephen Covey famously said in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Be intentional about creating the life you want rather than living the life the world hands you. As Tony Robbins reminds us,

“Where focus goes, energy flows.”

In the end, it’s not the accolades or the promotions that we’ll remember most; it’s the quiet moments with loved ones, the laughter shared, and the love we’ve given and received. Life is precious and fleeting. Let’s not wait for tomorrow to make time for the people who mean the most to us.

Take it from someone who’s been there: Success is sweet, but it’s the people who make our journey worthwhile. As you go about your day, remember that the greatest legacy you can leave behind is the love and time you’ve shared with those closest to you.

Enjoy these next few weeks. I know I will.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence.

Your friend,

Ryan DuBois