Your Life Is An Urgent Matter

Dear High Achiever!nnIt happened twice last week and three times the week before. Actually, it happens so often that I sort of stopped keeping track. nnBut, I used to. And I was paying attention again and keeping a mental tally in the New Year because it intrigued me.nnIts not that I didn’t understand why people would always ask me the same question. But when I first began to realize that this was becoming a common question with some common frequency, I didn’t really have an answer. To me I was simply aware that it’s my life.nnWant to know the recurring question? If you know me well enough you might guess it quite easily. But if we haven’t had enough contact, I’ll be specific: The reoccurring question that I still get asked at least once a week, and I’ll paraphrase here is … “Eric, you’ve got so much energy and are so hyper, why don’t you slow down?”nnBack when I first began to hear this question my reply would be to simply say something like, “It’s just how I am. I’ve got a lot of energy.”nnBut now I’m older and bolder. I now answer that question with a sweeping explanation and then a question: “There are lots of reasons. Why don’t you speed up?”nnThis usually creates a few moments of “dead air” and stops the person in their tracks to think about a reply. It’s actually pretty funny to me at this point and I’ve gotten some bizarre responses over the years. Usually, the reply is in some form of a justification, excuse or confession as to why they have a lack of energy or didn’t accomplish something. And that too is interesting to me from a psychological perspective and good content for a future FYI newsletter, but for now I’ll stay on focus with this topic. nnSuper energized = a super specific mindset. It’s my experience, confirmed by hundreds of attendees in my seminars, that the people who don’t have specific goals or a definite purpose as to what they are doing in their life, lack a sense of urgency.nnHigh achievers are goal driven, they have a definite purpose and a desired outcome from their activity; they put a high price tag and value on time. From a Best Year Ever! perspective, this commonality and trait makes complete sense. When you combine, energy, a strong personal-belief-system with definite goals, you place a much higher value on your time.nnIts not that you have to be hyper-active and all revved up 24/7. I can’t imagine Bill Gates running around like Richard Simmons (but it would be kind of funny to see Bill leading a “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobic class).nnFYI ACTION IDEA: Imagine what you would do if, immediately after reading this FYI today, you had a doctor’s appointment for your annual check-up. And, God forbid, after the check-up the doctor told you she had horrific news. She informed you that you only had 17 days or less to live. Your situation was irreversible and you will be dead by February 1, 2008.nnWhat would you do today?n nI tell you the answer: More than you did yesterday!nnCase in point: That kind of awaking and transformation came for me at 6:43 AM Monday morning, October 11, 2004. My life changed forever and my sense of urgency for living everyday to the fullest extent became my number one priority. That was the day I made a promise to myself to never complain about anything again and to be thankful for my life, my family, my friends and my health.nnFor your Information and Inspiration: That morning I received a phone call from my Mom. She called to offer me her condolences. She had just heard that Christopher Reeve had died the night before. She knew that just ten days earlier I had a produced an event and he was my special guest and the featured speaker. She also knew the tremendous positive impact he had on my life and was concerned about my wellbeing after hearing the sad news. What she didn’t know was that she was the first person to tell me. I cried that entire week. I remember telling my wife that I couldn’t recall being so emotional over a non-family members death, ever.nnChristopher gave me an eternal gift the day he died. He literally woke me up from being one among the living dead. I certainly have never had the right to complain about my life. I’ve always had my health, a supportive, loving family and have had some success. Of course, I’ve had my share of challenges and heartaches just like everyone else. But overall, like Joe Walsh sings, “Life’s been good to me so far.” nnThe one thing I definitely took for granted was mortality, mostly mine. Sure, I know people die, but I thought that happened to everyone else, but not me. Not until Chris’ death did I ever contemplate the thought of not being on the planet. His commitment to living and making a global difference after his horrific accident was admired and applauded by everyone. He accomplished more as a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair than most of us will ever achieve being one hundred percent healthy. I never thought I would see his death and I was certain that one day I would see him get up and walk away from his wheelchair. nnChris reminded me that my time is now. If I want to do anything, I need to do it today. Since October 11, 2004 I live my life with an even greater sense of urgency. I want to live everyday to the max. Chris reminded me not to take anything or anyone for granted, ever. The people that I love hear the words, “I love you!” often. I make sure I kiss my wife and my kids “Hello” and “Goodbye” every time I walk in or out of my front door. When I get to the office or in front of a room full of seminar attendees I give one thousand percent of everything I’ve got.nnWhy don’t you speed up? I want to encourage you to embrace the fact that Your Life Is NOW! and Your Life Is An Urgent Matter!nnFYI IDEA IN ACTION: Read those words again and say it out loud: “My Life Is Now!” Don’t let 2008 be just another year. Make 2008 Your Best Year Ever!