I think our lifestyle revolves around our perspective. We think therefore we do. How you think becomes who you are and translates into how you live.

Thru life experiences I have learned to keep a broad and balanced perspective. (And am still learning, school is always in session). For example, let me quote Shakespeare, “Love all, trust a few and do wrong to none.” Another balanced life perspective is from Psalms 90:12, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The younger we can capture that the better. I saw this reality be expressed last week in hundreds of middle school kids. A good friend of my daughters passed away last week. It was a tragic situation and he was only 14. The brevity of life cannot be underestimated. I told Megan, my daughter, that I was very proud of her as I watched her emotional strength as she consoled the family and many of her friends at the funeral. That night we were sharing many of the same thoughts I am expressing. It hit home for her to not be concerned with things in life that really don’t matter, and capture the things that do.

Talking in terms of life’s perspective and brevity, there is a really good read entitled What Is Your Life’s Work? by Bill Jensen. This book is about capturing what really matters to people. Bill has interviewed people from all walks of life and all across the globe, to find out what they feel really matters and what does not. He asked questions like, “What’s the single most important insight about work and life that you want to pass on to your kids? Or to anyone you truly care about?” Some of the captions that caught my eye are:

·         “Be a respectful rebel.”

·         “Honey, there are no shortcuts.”

·         “Speak up if you don’t agree.”

·         “The only way to get what you want is to see that you already have what you need.”

·         “Be real, put yourself out there. Your work diary is a tool for others self-discovery.”

·         “Our mind, body spirit can be their own unique healers when we let them.”

·         “Entitlement is not an option. Earn your income.”

·         “You will do magical things in your life. You need to believe that.”

·         “Always choose family.”

Bill puts a life cycle into 5 categories:

1.       Finding yourself

2.       Finding the lessons to be learned, the questions to be asked

3.       Finding the choices that really matter

4.       Finding the courage to choose

5.       Finding joy, serenity and fulfillment

I love it. The only thing I would add to that is leaving a legacy. I am a father of 3 beautiful talented kids. You better believe my motivation for all I do is leading by example now and leaving behind a legacy for them to follow.