We all make sacrifices. More time at work means less time for family, exercise, and pretty much everything else.
Is the sacrifice worth it?
Some people hustle so that they can finally find time in retirement. Here’s the interesting thing – The satisfaction that people report feeling before retirement correlates strongly with the satisfaction that they feel after retirement (source).
If growing your business takes a serious toll on your health and relationships, then retirement may not be everything you expect.
What predicts positive aging? I found some gems in the Stephern Dubner’s podcast, No Stupid Questions. Here are a couple takeaways from the Harvard Study of Adult Development – the longest investigation of aging in the world.
Relationships matter. Substantive, vulnerable, trusting relationships matter more than anything. Make time for your people over the years.
Take care of your health. Do the stuff your doctor tells you – like get exercise and don’t smoke or drink too much. Also, take mental health seriously. How do you adapt and cope to the challenges of life?
There’s more of course. If you’re interested, start with the podcast and maybe grab a copy of Harvard psychiatrist George Vaillant’s Aging Well.
The bottom line for business owners – Pay attention the choices and tradeoffs you make while growing your business. Don’t just try to grow; try to grow well for the long-term.
