What will Matter Five Years From Now?

I’m a typical Enneagram 7, a high I on the DISC test, etc. In other words, I’m the ultimate people pleaser, I think I need to do it all and I used to say yes to everything. Making decisions and prioritizing wasn’t my strong suit. Because really, how do you ever know what’s most important?

Several years ago when my kids were still at home, I read something that resonated. It suggested that when you’re faced with a tough decision, ask yourself, “What will matter most five years from now?”

Sounds simple, right? But when you’re in the midst of deciding whether you should accept that dinner invitation from a client versus watching “Ted Lasso,” when you’re faced with the choice of reading a book or making an ask for your favorite charity, when there’s the chance to go on a hike or watch yet another webinar on marketing strategies, this is a useful tool.

I’ve recently been tasked with deciding whether to work on my second book or help new real estate clients. I’ve also been doing a lot of item and donation solicitation for the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico Sweetheart Auction. I also need to/get to spend time with my parents, who are both in their late eighties. We have a couple of rent houses that need our time and work. I have a fourteen-month old grandson with whom I’d like to spend every waking moment.

And then there’s the rest of my family, including a husband I really like.

My time, like yours, is at a premium.

So how do we juggle it all? I know my life is probably less complicated than yours. You may have school age children who are in three sports, plus your own fitness life, plus a job or a business or employees or a cranky boss.

Every time you have to make a choice, stop before blurting out a yes. Stop and ask yourself, “What will matter most five years from now?”

Having survived stage IV cancer, I know pretty instinctively now what will matter most five years from now. Time with your family, time devoted to a cause that saves lives (at least for me), time given to people who need you most – these are what will matter most five years from now.

Good luck out there. And thanks for checking in.