In blogs passim, this Philosopher-in-Residence has posited questions on what you would value more – a million pounds or an extra year on your life.

This conundrum has come to mind again recently – not due to any encounters with a genie and magic lamp waiting to deliver either of these, alas. Rather, on reading a vintage book I came across, called Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom. The author unexpectedly re-connects with his college professor, who is terminally ill. Over a series of Tuesday visits, the older, dying man shares his perspective on life, now that he is acutely aware there won’t be many more days or weeks, let alone months or years.

The number one message from the true story is to make the most of life. Not when you’ve done the chores, or when you are doing less work, or the 12^th of never. Now. Today. Tomorrow. This week.

And for those of us wedded to the beliefs that you can make the most of life by achieving goals, getting a promotion, getting to the end of a to do list of inbox: Morrie has news for us. Actually, not news. A reminder of what has always been the case. Look out of the window. Marvel at the beauty of the tree growing, the bird tweeting to its friends, the rain on the windowpane, the fact all these things happen with no regard or need for your supposedly important career, to-do list or inbox.

Stop being busy and tired. Start reconnecting with true wealth – the ability to be positive and admiring of the wonder and beauty of life.

Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Being August. Put the date in your calendar! Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Pen Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/building-a-more-inclusive-workplace/