8 Year Old You. 80 Year Old You. The Only People You Need to Impress

Today, I want to discuss two critical people that we, especially as CEOs, should aim to impress: our 8-year-old selves and our 80-year-old selves.

Your 8-Year-Old Self

Think back to when you were eight, full of dreams and ambitions, and ask yourself: would your 8-year-old self be impressed with what you're doing now? I've met many CEOs who made the leap from mundane work to chasing their real passions, and they have a positive answer to this question. However, it's not always an easy path. There can be backlash, doubts, and fear, but trading boredom for excitement is a decision that many find worth it.

Your 80-Year-Old Self

Now, let's turn our attention to the 80-year-old you, looking back on a lifetime of decisions. Did you live the life you wanted? Did you maintain the connections that matter? For many CEOs, this is a struggle. Balancing business responsibilities and personal life can be tricky. Many work long hours, neglecting their families and personal lives, causing harm in the long run. I've seen situations where the business became the number one priority, and the relationships that truly mattered suffered.

Reevaluating Value

In addition to personal connections, many CEOs also grapple with the impact they're making in their businesses beyond financial gains. One CEO I've worked with was leading a successful enterprise but felt something was missing because the company wasn't creating value beyond shareholder returns. We began to reevaluate the meaning of 'shareholder value' by considering what the business could do for its community, employees, families, and the world. By expanding the definition of 'value,' CEOs can create a larger, more positive impact.

Creating a Legacy

As an investor, I appreciate organizations that seek to do more than just generate returns. It's important to consider the legacy we're leaving behind. Yes, a financial legacy for our children and grandchildren is essential, but what about the example we're setting? Have we moved the needle for humanity as a whole?

Maximizing Your Impact

CEOs have a substantial potential for impact, and it's essential to understand how to fully utilize it. This involves balancing business ambitions with personal life, understanding the value beyond monetary gains, and considering the legacy we leave behind.

If you're a CEO or a leader and want to explore how to increase your impact, don't hesitate to reach out. Remember, aim to impress both your 8-year-old self with your achievements and your 80-year-old self with the life you lived. Until next time, keep building your dreams!

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If you enjoy my content and you want to get in touch to find out how I could work with you, or someone you know, you can reach me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeleech/, or via email at: Joe@mrJoe.uk!

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