Dying Wish ≠ Spend More Time Working

“No one on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time on my business.’” ~ Arnold Zack

As professionals, we meticulously plan our work lives. We carefully structure our calendars, craft detailed meeting agendas, and set ambitious goals for our projects and teams. We approach our careers with a level of intentionality that's admirable - and necessary for success.

But what about our personal lives? Do we apply that same level of thoughtful planning to our relationships, our health, or our personal growth?

James Lenhoff , author of "Living a Rich Life," offers a sobering perspective on our podcast episode: "Money and regret both compound and everybody's focusing on the money part... What they're missing is that they're also compounding deep painful regret that actually can get a lot bigger than the pile of money you're making."

This insight highlights a crucial oversight in how we approach life planning. We understand compound interest in wealth accumulation, but we often fail to recognize the compound effect of neglecting our personal lives and relationships.

Too often, we let our personal lives unfold haphazardly, reacting to circumstances rather than proactively shaping our future. We don't plan our rest, we check emails on vacation, and we rarely unplug completely. In essence, we're treating our personal lives as an afterthought to our professional ambitions.

Lenhoff emphasizes the importance of having a clear family vision. He suggests creating a mission statement and core values for your family, just as you would for a business. This provides a framework for decision-making and ensures you're moving towards what truly matters to you.

Here are a few practical steps to start planning your life with the same intentionality as your work:

1. Create a personal or family mission statement. What do you stand for? What are your core values?
2. Set aside time for regular "life planning" sessions. Just as you have strategy meetings at work, have strategy meetings for your life.
3. Schedule your rest and recreation with the same priority as your work commitments. Block off time for self-care, family, and hobbies.
4. Practice true unplugging. When you're on vacation, be on vacation. Set clear boundaries and stick to them.
5. Regularly review and adjust your life plan. Are you moving towards your goals? What needs to change?

Remember, you are the CEO of your life. It's time to start acting like it. By bringing the same level of intentionality to your personal life as you do to your work, you can create a more balanced, fulfilling, and truly successful life.

After all, at the end of your career, it won't be the meetings you attended or the projects you completed that you'll remember. It will be the life you lived, the relationships you nurtured, and the impact you made beyond the office walls.

So, are you ready to start planning your life with the same intentionality as your work? The compounding effects - both positive and negative - of your choices today will shape your tomorrow. Choose wisely.