Dan Sullivan, the founder and president of The Strategic Coach, wrote this passage after 9/11, and I find these words just as meaningful and relevant today.

1.  Forget about yourself; focus on others.
2.  Forget about your commodity; focus on your relationships.
3.  Forget about the sale; focus on creating value.
4.  Forget about your losses; focus on your opportunities.
5.  Forget about your difficulties; focus on your progress.
6.  Forget about the future; focus on today.
7.  Forget about who you were; focus on who you can be.
8.  Forget about events; focus on your responses.
9.  Forget about what’s missing; focus on what’s available.
10.  Forget about your complaints; focus on your gratitude.

As we begin to slowly awaken from the shelter in place orders and rejoin humanity, I’m wondering if our perspective on what’s important has changed. I know I am reviewing my perspectives and considering a few modifications. Over the last few months I’ve come to appreciate the value of a socially connected network. I’m longing for the day I can call a friend and meet for a nice craft beer or knock back some nachos over lunch. I’m realizing it is less about me and more about staying connected to others. Yeah, we did the whole Zoom “Happy Hour” thing with a couple of folks, but it’s just not the same. As a Red Sox fan, I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not as much fun to trash talk the Yankees virtually.

I also have a greater appreciation for what I have vs. what I don’t own or think I need. I’m going to spend more time getting to know my neighbors, practicing the art of gratitude and focusing on what I wish to still become. And I want to be more mindful and stay in the moment as opposed to thinking about the past, what was before the pandemic, or consumed by where we are going in the future as a culture.

I encourage you to take a moment and inventory those items that are now important to you post-pandemic. Has anything changed? Maybe not, but possibly. Regardless of whether they are the same or different, make plans now to capitalize on the significant elements of your life.

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

                                                                                                          —Eleanor Roosevelt

Enjoy your journey!

Gary A. Weuve, CFP®
Founder and CEO
2NDACTLIVES, LLC

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