Are you running out of time?

Fifteen years ago, my boss, Steve, retired at 50 years of age.

Steve was a fantastic boss. He listened well. He cared about people. And, we both had adopted daughters, named Nicole. I stepped into his office and he told me he was leaving the company. I was shocked and sad. He told me he was retiring.

“What! You’re retiring! You’re too young!” I protested!

Steve smiled, and said, “Mary, I’ve been in every state on business travel in the last two decades, but I’ve never been to a National Park. I can either run out of money or run out of time. I’d rather run out of money.”

Steve’s words to me still haunt me. Am I going to run out of time? Are you?

Don’t run out of time!

When Steve shared his story, I was climbing the corporate ladder in a multi-national organization. I was traveling internationally and missing moments with my husband, Rick, and daughter, Nicole. I had a misguided focus on career success.

Are you trading your precious life for your career?

For decades, Steve killed himself at work. He sacrificed his health and family. He missed family events to redo a department budget, manage a disgruntled customer, or take a late flight back home. He quit working out, was stressed, and exhausted.

Steve decided it was time to quit trading his hours at work for hours with his family and friends. It was time to focus on his wife, daughter, health, and purpose. Steve didn’t want his legacy to be one of a great executive. He wanted to be a great husband, father, and friend. So he retired — at fifty.

Focus on your purpose and what is precious.

Steve changed his focus to what he treasured and cherished. He knew his purpose and laid out a roadmap to build his legacy. Steve focused on what he treasured and loved.

What is your purpose? Is it really that “hot issue” at work that no one will remember in three months? Or, is it your purpose, health, family, and friends? You don’t need to retire to be like Steve. You may simply need to refocus, set boundaries, and reprioritize.

Don’t run out of time.

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