Business ownership done right should be about freedom, fun and significant money. Business ownership done wrong is about imprisonment, frustration and very little wealth. Most of us, including myself, were not properly taught how to structure, develop and run a business. Early on, we made big mistakes, paid heavy prices, and made costly sacrifices. Some of us stumbled onto a path of greater success, balance and fulfillment through trial and error. Some of us got early wake-up calls or warning signs and we were open and receptive to modifying our mindsets and approaches.
Just in case you missed yours, here is another face-reality, wake-up call. Brace yourself, this is some serious stuff. I want you to draw out an old-fashioned tombstone and at the top, write down your full name, birth date, a dash, and then your expected death date. Go ahead, everyone has a rough idea, based on genetics and current health habits and stress levels, how long they expect to live on this earth. Are you satisfied with your life expectancy? If not, commit to change some habits NOW -- quit smoking, lose weight, eat better, workout more, sleep longer, reduce stress, get a checkup, etc. By the way, the average life expectancy is currently around 78 years of age.
Now, let's move beyond quantity of years to quality of years. Think deeply about what you want written on your tombstone. That's right, how do you want to be remembered? What do you want your legacy to be? What and who are most important to you? Go ahead, jot down your thoughts about your epitaph.
Odds are you did not think about your business or even your level of success or wealth. You probably thought about your role as a spouse, parent, friend, citizen, faith member, etc. On your deathbed, you most likely want to be surrounded by family, friends, fond memories, and your faith -- nothing materialistic. After all, it matters not your financial or business success if you lose everything else in the process -- including the love and respect of your spouse, children, and friends; your physical and mental health; your faith; and all the simple experiences and joys of life. Lesson here, keep balance in your life.
Now comes facing the truth. Are you living your life in alignment with your ultimate wishes? Are you being the person, spouse, parent, friend, and believer you truly want to be, especially as described on your tombstone? Or, are you off track? Focusing on the wrong priorities? The tombstone test is designed to give you the big perspective, a sense of urgency, and a wake-up call to live your life according to your highest priorities. While a bit morbid, it flat out works! Also, the good news is that there is now time to make changes -- your heart is still beating. Let this be your wake-up call to get on a path to greater fulfillment and balance. Remember, a business is only a vehicle to a fuller life. A business is the means, not the end.
Another benefit to the tombstone test is that by facing and accepting your own mortality, you can begin to appreciate and live a full life. By acknowledging that our life on earth is finite, we can make wiser choices, especially about how, where and with who we spend our precious time. By facing death, we are truly liberated and life becomes sweeter, more meaningful, and something we no longer take for granted.
Have no regrets. As a popular song says, "live like you are dying."
Daniel Murphy
The Growth Coach
Business Coaching Franchise System