When I was early in my career, my number one concern was the bottom line. The cash money that my efforts would produce.
Every decision was measured on its return on investment. Extra shifts were calculated and volunteered for without a second thought. I would happily work 8 hour, 10 hour, and 12 hour shifts consecutively and make up for it with coffee and Saturday mornings spent in bed.
The older I get, however, the more I am realizing that money isn’t motivation enough. Some of this might be due to accumulating enough of it to have a bit of a buffer via investments as well as a primary residence that keeps me from being homeless.
It might be because I’ve received and spent enough checks to know that the money isn’t what was actually important.
Nowadays the decisions I’m making, more and more, revolve around energy and emotional management. I’m wondering how the sandwich will make me feel 15 minutes I am done with it. Should I get a salad instead?
While the salad may not be as sexy as the pulled pork, it will keep me focused and alert through the rest of the workday. Does that mean I’m officially old?
Probably.
Part of being old[er] is using wisdom to inform my decisions, and considering the variables that perhaps as a younger man, I would have disregarded.
These days when I consider an investment, I’m not just thinking about possible returns. I’m considering time investment, potential stress, ability to control outcomes, and whether the money will be worth the additional effort.
These days an additional couple of hundred dollars that is attached to a couple of additional hours away from family or friends or purpose – may not be as compelling as it once was.
I’m more interested in figuring out how I can blend purpose and profit.
How can I find the things that make me smile on the inside and that can also be financially rewarding. And if I’m not able to, how can I reduce financial obligations that prevent me from operating in my purpose.
How can these thoughts help someone earlier in their career?
What words would I give to a younger me?
I would advocate – pursuing purpose earlier. Don’t get lost in the dollar signs. Make investments, yes. Work as hard as you can yes. But, also take strategic risks that could lead to the outsize returns that you dream of. Risks that will lead you to doing the things you dream of, with the people you admire, in the places you want to be.
What actions, taken consistently, could yield you the life that you dream of? Where is the 20% of effort that will yield you 80% of your results?
Focus on those.
Best,
ER
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