Priorities

I remember when I went to work in Japan at the age of 23. I was what the Japanese call a "moretsu shinnyu shaiin" which roughly translates "over boiling new employee." These are people who start their new job and do whatever it takes to get the job done well. I was frequently in the office early and stayed late into the night. At Penn State I worked very hard to finish my MBA quickly because I had a family and no money. At Arthur Andersen I would often do "all nighters" to complete projects on time. I worked like a dog to make partner. I guess when you are young and motivated and starting a career, there is a certain virtue in being "moretsu." Then I started my own business, thinking I could parlay what I had into something substantial and in the end I lost everything -- except my family, who helped get us through. In the end, the only people who REALLY care for you is family and the only thing that REALLY matters is what you do for them and others.

Now that I have developed cancer and face a significantly shorter life expectancy my priorities have changed. Called it the wisdom of age, but a young person should stop and think before putting body and soul into "getting ahead". My views on this have really changed over the past 10 years -- since I returned from Japan without a dime to my name. I feel like I put so much effort into the work I was doing, it defined my life -- and then I lost it all. After nearly 20 years of working I had NOTHING to show for all the effort. It occurred to me -- do I really want to be defined by what I do to earn a living or is there is something I want out of life that is more important? I decided the one thing I never want to risk and never want to loose is family.

It just so happens that a friend of mine sent me a 3-minute Internet movie called the dash that says it all. If you have not seen this yet, it is worth watching. Maybe you'll be inspired earlier in life to think seriously about your priorities.

The Dash

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along .

The movie has been more successful than anyone could have ever imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?' I hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are close to you.

http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/