A few years ago I was the keynote speaker to the Cremation Association of North America. I did over 100 hours of research for a 60-minute keynote. After my presentation I continued to receive requests from other associations in the ‘death care’ industry. And so…faced with the reminder of the eventuality of my own death I started to create my own ‘bucket list.’
Each year I check off those things I accomplished and add new ones to the list. Having worked with Apple, one of my goals was to meet Steve Jobs. I had already met my heros Bill Gates, Lee Iacocca, Jack Welsh, Nido Qubein, Joe Sugarman, and other ‘bright idea guys.’ As my business prospered I waived from the list of ‘to do’s’ and missed my opportunity to meet Steve. It is a regret that can’t be ignored. I really wanted to sit down with him, share the same air, and maybe toss around some new ideas. After all I was a valued resource to Apple for over 8 years. I simply lost my focus on meeting him and continued to pursue the ‘purchase orders’ for my goods and services. Shift Happened.
May I suggest an “I Owe Me”? Think of it as a promissory note to yourself, since most resolutions are broken, but promissory notes are not.Outline the terms and conditions that will be met. Since it is a promissory note, you need to think of it as the same type of promise you make to the bank. They will foreclose if you do not pay it. To be effective, your “I Owe Me” likewise needs a penalty that is meaningful.
In addition, when you make a promise to the bank they ask you many questions. Usually among them are: “Why do you want to take on this obligation?” “What is the realistic period in which you can repay it?” “What will be the benefit to you?” Be sure to ask yourself the same kinds of questions before you decide on your “I Owe Me.” For me, the question is simple: “What am I going to do differently tomorrow that will get me better results than I got yesterday?” As we approach the end of 2015 and start to think about our ‘new year resolutions’ for 2016 let me share Steve Jobs’ Last Words –
I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world.
In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of success.
However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.
At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.
In the darkness, I look at the green lights from the life supporting machines and hear the humming mechanical sounds; I can feel the breath of god of death drawing closer…
Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth… Should be something that is more important:
Perhaps relationships, perhaps art, perhaps a dream from younger days …
Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being, just like me.
God gave us the senses to let us feel the love in everyone’s heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth.
The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me.
What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.
That’s the true riches, which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on.
Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. Reach the height you want to reach. It is all in your heart and in your hands.What is the most expensive bed in the world? – “Sick bed” …
You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you.
Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – “Life”.
When a person goes into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading – “Book of Healthy Life”.
Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.
Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends…
Treat yourself well. Cherish others.
To Your Success!
