Different things motivate different people. For some people it’s the threat of punishment if something is not done. For others it’s the promise of an award awaiting after hard work. Or, it can be a simple thing, such as changing one’s state or focus. One of the best motivational quotes I have heard in a long time is “How Many Summers Do You Have Left?”
This line was shared with me by a friend who is taking an entire one-month vacation this summer to be with his family – to not “do” anything and just “be” with them. Knowing that this friend has a crammed schedule as a CEO, I was very curious how he managed to get so much free time, and I asked him about it.
He said years ago he had a mentor who practiced this same annual ritual, of taking a one-month vacation with his family, and he had the same question of how this was possible.
His mentor’s response changed his life. It was: “How many more summers do you think you have left to enjoy?”
That one question inspired my friend to change everything, because he has a wife, kids, and grandkids. That question got him in touch with how much they mean to him, and how much he wants to spend quality time with them.
Even though I don’t have a wife or kids, I was equally impacted by this question, because there are many things that I am passionate about, and I am over 60 years old. I have a burning desire to inspire other people, so that their lives can be better. I feel this is my life purpose, and I don’t know how long I have to fulfill it.
Try it for yourself:
“How many more summers do I think I have left to… “
… do something you’ve secretly wanted to all your life
… not worry about what may happen
… start your dream business
… lose weight
… go on a retreat
… write a book
… travel
… etc…
And then, follow your heart.
Do not let other people hold you back from whatever you have chosen.
What if the person holding you back is yourself? If taking dedicating one month to your passion seems ludicrous and unreachable, it probably won’t happen! The secret to making this real is to feel, visualize, and know that is it real. You must be so certain that it will happen, that for you there is no other option. When you have this clarity, the universe with make it possible.