Confucius said: We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.

I talked with an agency owner this month. He was earnest about growing his business. “I’m just going to burn hard on my business for like 10 years, then sell it and enjoy life,” he told me.

I get it. It feels simpler to focus on just one thing at a time. Rather than trying to have good relationships, enjoy life, build a business, and learn how to lead, all at once (which seems overwhelming to say, much less do), you could focus on the business with the idea that you can shift your focus later.

If that’s the way he wants to live, that’s his choice, but it made me sad.

The future is not guaranteed.

If I’ve learned anything from COVID, it would be that life is uncertain.

We don’t know what the future brings for our business or our family.

Even if it all works out, it’s different having kids in your 30’s than having kids in your 40’s – not better or worse, just different.

I believe I was a better leader after being a father for a few years, and my kids taught me a lot about leadership and managing myself!

Where are you right now?

With the election behind us and the holidays ahead, maybe it’s OK for some to embrace a slower pace for a couple of months. To rest, build your community (as best as you can at a distance), and then fire the afterburners in January. 2020 has been a long year!

Others are swamped with demand and need to make hay while the sun shines; it’s also OK to buckle in.

Just remember, you only have this one life. Make it a good one.