Your Best Life Could be Ahead of You: Just Remember "What You Know"

This article is not about me. It’s about you.

When I left the Wells Fargo Bank in 2010 and left behind a 34-year corporate career with some of the best companies of my era, I had no idea what my life would be like ten years down the road.

I must admit that after thirty-four years of learning and contributing at all levels within organizations of various types and sizes, there was some doubt about what I wanted to do next. However, one thing was without any reservation, “I knew what I knew”.

What I knew was...“where I had been”, “what I had learned”, “what I liked”, “what I didn't like”, “what I didn’t want to do anymore” and “what I wanted to be able to continue doing”.

Little did I know that ten years down the road much of what would become my true life's legacy would not be grounded in my past...but framed by my future.

Surprisingly, this legacy would not be driven as much by the “companies” where I spent more than half of my life…but by the “company”, I would be fortunate enough to keep and bring into my life during the last ten years.

My kind of “company” [i.e. energetic editors, patient publishers, candid critics, faithful friends and a wonderful wife], who unconditionally supported my life-long desire to research, write and publish books and articles about the power of leadership and human thought…which, evidenced by book sales and personal feedback, have shaped other's thoughts and changed many lives for the better.

However, as I mentioned earlier, this article is not about me. It’s about you.

I just felt that I had to “paint the above picture” of some professional credibility and personal conquest, before I share with you an important fact that you should keep top-of-mind during this period of time. That is... your best life could be ahead of you.

During this period, as we all attempt to work our way through this global medical pandemic and this amazingly historic moment in American history, it is only human for uncertainty, isolation, and disruption to create some doubt about what our future will look like...especially those of you who are in the middle of or at the peak of rewarding careers.

Regardless of where you are today in your career [feeling okay, treading water, stalled, challenged or derailed], I would like to offer, hopefully, just another voice to remind you that...your best life could be ahead of you.

My experience, research and observations remind me that it is important for you to do two things:

First, take this moment to sit down, write down and internalize “what you know”, “where you have been”, “what you have learned”, “what you liked”, “what you didn't like”, “what you don't want to do anymore” and “what you want to be able to continue doing”; and

Secondly, think seriously about the “company” you currently have in your life [both personally and professionally] and determine who's missing…and what’s needed to actualize and maximize what your future could hold. Then, do what must be done to close the gap.

Yes...your best life could be ahead of you.

Just, always remember, the only thing standing between “could” and “will”... and the future legacy you desire...is “you”.

Ervin (Earl) Cobb is an accomplished corporate executive, entrepreneur, author, leadership development coach and speaker. He is the author of eleven published books. Five of his books provide practical and unique insights into how to prepare yourself to effectively lead and win within any organization. Learn More About Earl Cobb and His Work.