Part 1 of 2
As I stand in the sunset of my career, reflecting on decades of work, ambition, and leadership, I find myself thinking about what I would tell my younger self—the eager, driven version of me in my 20s, 30s, and even 40s.
In those years, I was focused on building—my career, my reputation, my financial security, and my family. I worked hard, sacrificed sleep, chased goals, and believed that if I just pushed a little harder, I would reach some elusive destination where success and fulfillment would magically come together.
But now, from this vantage point, I see things differently. I see the traps, the illusions, the unnecessary stress. The advice I would give my younger self—or any executive still in the thick of the climb—is this:
To Executives in Their 20s: Learn What Truly Matters
You are full of energy, ambition, optimism, and the belief that you have unlimited time. You might think success is about working harder than everyone else, proving yourself, and never saying “no,” but here is what you need to know:
- Work hard, but do not sell your soul. Your career matters, but so do your relationships, your health, and your faith. Do not sacrifice them on the altar of ambition.
- Success is not a straight line. The job you have now may not be the one you stay in. Be open to pivots and detours.
- Learn to say “no” early. The more boundaries you set now, the better you will protect your peace later. Develop your “no” and “not now” muscles.
Tip: Start defining what success really means to you—not what the world tells you it should be.
To Executives in Their 30s: Stop Trying to Prove Yourself
By now, you have built some credibility, but you are still striving, still chasing, and still comparing. You are likely balancing work with family, financial pressures, and the fear that you are not doing enough. Here is my advice:
- Quit trying to impress people who do not matter. The approval you are seeking from others? It will not satisfy you. I promise you.
- Your kids do not care about your title. They care about your presence. Do not be the parent who “makes it up to them later.” There is no later. Put your phone away tonight.
- Money is important, but it is not everything. The more you make, the more you think you will need. Define “enough” now, before you get trapped in “too much.”
Tip: Focus on depth, not just speed. Deep relationships, deep work, deep faith—these are what last.
To Executives in Their 40s: Reevaluate What You are Chasing
By now, you have probably achieved some level of success. Maybe you have built a business, climbed the corporate ladder, or have hit your financial goals. But if you are not careful, this is also the decade when “too much” creeps in.
- If your health is failing, your success is irrelevant. Take care of your body now before it forces you to pay attention to it later.
- Burnout is real, and it sneaks up on you. If you dread what once excited you, pay attention. It is a sign you need to adjust.
- Your priorities should shift. Let them. What mattered at age 30 may not be what matters now. Have the courage to change direction if necessary.
Tip: Make room for what brings you joy. If work has become your identity, start rediscovering who you are outside of work.
The Lesson of ‘Enough’ and ‘Too Much’
Looking back, I see how often I ran past “enough” straight into “too much.” I see how many moments I missed, how much peace I traded for progress, how often I thought the next achievement would finally make me feel satisfied.
So, here is my advice to you, no matter what stage you are in:
- Define your “enough” now. Do not let society, your peers, or your ego define it for you.
- Recognize when you are doing “too much.” The signs are always there—exhaustion, irritability, a sense of emptiness. Pay attention. Stop the insanity.
- Build a life you do not want to escape from. Find work that energizes you, relationships that sustain you, and purpose beyond just making money.
- Practice gratitude daily. It is the antidote to chasing more.
Final Thought: Do Not Wait to Live
From where I stand now, I see one of the biggest mistakes executives make: They wait too long to truly live. They tell themselves they will enjoy life after the next promotion, after they sell the company, after the kids graduate.
But life is not meant to be postponed. Joy, fulfillment, and happiness are not destinations—you can have them now if you stop chasing “too much” and start appreciating “enough.”
So, to my younger self, and to you if you are younger than I am and open to suggestions: Stop running so hard that you miss the view. Success is great, but living well is even better!
Recent Comments