Was I even there while it was happening?

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‘Was I even there while it was happening?’

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This was a quote I heard from Scott Galloway.

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Was in person for his talk at Summit at Sea.

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For those who don’t know Scott, he’s a professor of marketing at NYU.

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He also runs many businesses and hosts a podcast with super interesting folks.

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The talk is one of the best presentations I’ve ever seen.

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So clean.

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So tight.

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So simple.

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Recommend everyone watch it (here).

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The only words that stuck out to me were these.

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‘I think a lot about my life on my deathbed.

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I look back and look at my wife.

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Super happy that we built a great relationship.

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I look back on my kids and am proud of the people they became.

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I look back on my work and feel so grateful I was able to do something I loved.

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I look back on my friendships and feel so lucky I got to build relationships with great people.

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But the one thing I always think about is

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Was I even there to enjoy it?’

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Mic drop and walked off.

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Boom.

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That line stuck with me.

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It has for a while.

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Saw that speech almost a year ago and was reminded of it this week.

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I’m in go mode now.

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Build mode.

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Heads down.

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Making my dreams happen.

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This year feels like my curve year.

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The year where I exponentially advance all the dreams I have.

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Specifically on this media company.

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I’ve started to share my Substack.

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I’ve recorded 100+ videos to start posting on social media.

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I’ve recorded my audio books.

Done a bunch of podcast episodes.

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Putting together a plan on the next steps for the company.

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It’s all super exciting.

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I’m super excited by it.

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But I’ve been thinking about these words.

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‘Was I even there when it was happening?’

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We’re often focused on the next thing.

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The next goal.

The next promotion.

The next car.

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The next watch.

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The next bag.

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The next piece of clothing.

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The next stage of our life.

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We focus so much on the next that we forget about now.

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John Mayer said this at a concert recently.

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‘I wait for most things to be over. 

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I wait for this to be over to do the next thing and the next thing and the next thing…

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But I’ve realized everything you love and hate leaves at the same speed.

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Done. Done. And Done.

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The thing you hate that you have to do tomorrow will be over before you know it, 

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And the thing you’re looking forward to tomorrow will be over before you know it.

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So I have a new rule in my life, and the rule is…

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Never wish for less time.’

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It’s beautifully summarized by Billy Oppenheimer in his tweet.

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Never wish to be farther than where you’re at.

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Be here.

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Be now.

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Be present.

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Be there while it is happening.

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