How to set a bold vision for your next decade
Take time to reflect at a major milestone
I recently turned 50 years old. It was a major milestone. I decided to spend a little time reflecting on my past so that I can plan for the future.
In my last blog post, I shared some thoughts about the last ten years of my life. Today I will describe what I see ahead for the next decade.
I have to confess that I am really looking forward to it. I see a bright future and have a bold vision.
Keep you vision easy to understand
Vision is one of those words that get tossed around.
People will tell you that it is important to have a vision for your life. I agree. It is. But, don’t overthink it.
I recommend coming up with a statement that will help guide your life. Think of your vision as the direction you will follow, not necessarily the path you will follow.
At this point in my life I do not know the exact path.
My vision is work smarter, play harder, and love more
Below are the three themes that will guide my life during my 50's. They are not profound. They are simple and easy to remember. Put them together and you have my vision: work smarter, play harder, and love more.
I will work smarter, not harder
I find pleasure in my work. I like my colleagues at work.
Helping our clients succeed is satisfying.
At times in my life I worked too hard and neglected everything else. That approach was not good.
I made several adjustments to how I work in order to be more productive and effective. These changes are helping.
Last year I launched my own company All The Way Leadership! It is my passion project.
Over the next decade, I will continue working as a professional consultant, and I will build the new company into a high impact enterprise.
Eventually All The Way Leadership! will become my full-time job. That is my vision. I will need to work smarter to make that happen.
I will play harder and travel more
All work and no play makes for a dull existence. I know. I have done that before — it sucks.
I am amazed at how many people talk with pride about the fact that they cannot recall the last time they took a real vacation. Not me. Life is too short to miss out on the fun.
Taking time off “to smell the roses” every once in a while pays dividends. The latest productivity research proves this point.
Over the next decade, I will continue enjoying life.
I will travel even more. Europe is my playground. I love New York City.
I want to see more great American cities. San Diego, Seattle, Austin, Chicago, Charleston, and Savannah are on the list. More will be added.
So much to see and do in the world. I am already looking forward to new adventures in the next decade.
I will love more, especially my family
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
The older I get the more I realize the importance love plays in life.
Love is perhaps the greatest ingredient God added when creating us. Love is what brings us the most joy. It can also break your heart. Love is that powerful.
I have not always been the best at demonstrating my love for others.
In the next decade, I will spend more time with family and friends. The people I love. I will do my best to show them my love.
I will continue visiting my parents every week.
I don’t know how much longer they will be around. I want them to know that I love them and appreciate everything they have done for me.
I will spend more time doing things that I love
Going for a run, reading a good book, and listening to rock music all bring me joy. I stream music on Spotify all-day in the office to help keep me focused.
I also like starting the day with a good cup of coffee, drinking quality beer, discovering new restaurants, and smoking a fine cigar every now and then.
Life is too short for cheap coffee or bad beer.
What is your vision for the next decade
There you have it. My vision for my next decade: work smarter, play harder, and love more. What about you. What is your vision? Don’t have one. No worries. Spend some time reflecting and then come up with your own.
Where to read more
I write a blog for my sons called Doug Keating Letter to Sons. I am starting to share relevant content from my blog here. This is my second post on Medium. I hope you enjoy it. All feedback is welcome. Thanks for reading it.
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Originally published at www.lettertosons.com on February 4, 2018.
