Well, this working much less is quite a change. Having spent many years helping so many clients through this transition perhaps it is a variation on a busman’s holiday. I guess I have been personally grappling with all those challenges that so many of our clients have been through. It’s not easy is it? But if you are going to Live Life on Purpose (LLOP), it is so important to work through this crossroads.
As someone who loved my work I could have carried on (like my dad), but when our Emery Little ethos is to not accidentally take time and health for granted, and to strive to LLOP, it would have been stupid and not very authentic to not live by the same mantra.
To start with I am so fortunate to be filled with pride as I observe how Jo is leading the Emery Little team to new heights. The feedback from clients that have reached out has, almost without exception, been both complimentary and reassured. Last Friday, Julia and I had the privilege of observing this wonderful group of people during a rare physical gathering to enjoy a well-deserved Christmas party. Emery Little clients, myself and Julia included, are in safe hands.
What’s life like at the crossroads?
So, what have I been doing? I could say so much but I won’t bore you with the details. If we catch up at some point, I would be happy to share if you are interested.
Ultimately, I am enjoying trying to be a good patient and treat this crossroads with the importance it deserves.
With some wisdom gained during the lockdowns, I have purposely tried to slow down with periodic success. Fundamentally, I’ve been planning and trying to fill my bucket of time with my ‘rocks’ first, whilst being conscious of Einstein’s definition of insanity (doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result) – where do I desire a different result and focusing on what different behaviours are necessary to help achieve it. For example, I am very conscious that my behaviours in relation to money that have been key to us having choices today need to be revisited for this next phase of our lives. The analogy I have mentioned to many clients over the years is of ‘going into retirement, I prefer financial freedom, with the financial handbrake on’. Dani and Justin will be pleased to hear that Julia and I also have a new bedroom and bathroom at last!
When I am not active in my role as Emery Little Chairman, what I am finding really fun is exploring to find my new purpose. What did I love/ enjoy most during my career? What elements of my work gave me real joy and I would have done for no remuneration? As my life planning guru Louis taught me, focusing on the elements of my work that brought me joy, what was the essence? How can I re-create that essence as I strive to LLOP with purpose with my rocks and values at the centre?
It’s a journey but at its core is Living Life On Purpose and not accidentally taking time and health for granted.
Thank you for your support to myself and Emery Little over the years. I hope your Christmas plans are not disrupted by the new variant and wish you and your special people all the best for a fantastic Christmas, and for a healthy and prosperous 2022.
Yes, 2022. We are already 22 years into the ‘new’ millennium. If you have a moment please read the important story of the Magic Bank Account that follows. A client shared it with me at the beginning of this year and I think you’ll find it interesting.
The Magic Bank Account
A client shared this story with me and I thought I’d share it with you. As far as I know, the author of the story is unknown although it was found in the belongings of Coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant, after he died in 1983.
Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest.
Each morning your bank would deposit £86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules.
The rules are:
- 1. Everything that you didn’t spend during each day would be taken away from you.
- 2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.
- 3. You may only spend it.
- 4. Each morning, upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another £86,400 for that day.
- 5. The bank can end the game without warning at any time It can say, “Game Over!” It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.
What would you personally do?
You would buy anything and everything you wanted, right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don’t know because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right?
You would try to spend every penny and use it all because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?
Actually, this game is real. Shocked?! Yes! Every one of us is already a winner of this ‘prize’. We just can’t seem to see it.The ‘prize’ is ‘TIME’.
- 1. Every morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.
- 2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us.
- 3. What we haven’t used up that day is forever lost.
- 4. Yesterday is forever gone.
- 5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time without warning…so, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds?
Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in pounds. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by much quicker than you think.So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply, and enjoy life!
Remember kindness costs nothing so just sprinkle the stuff everywhere and never look down on anyone unless you’re helping them up!
Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start spending and let’s not complain about growing old! Some people don’t have the privilege.
