It was with great sadness that I woke up to the news of Matthew Perry passing last Sunday. Like most of us I was glued to Friends in the 90’s, and then again in the 00’s, and again recently as my children discovered it.
Chandler was an amazing character, his one-liners were iconic, delivered to perfection by Matthew Perry, who all the while was battling his own demons, of which you were never aware at the time.
His death at the age of 54 is a tragedy and whenever someone famous passes on, especially when they are taken before their time, I always get a bit philosophical.
In our journey through life and business, we often get caught up in the day-to-day grind. We focus on the bottom line, the balance sheet, and the profit margins. But every now and then, a reminder comes along, reminding us that life is fleeting, and we should make the most of it.
As a Chartered Accountant and a business owner, I can’t stress enough how this reminder should resonate with us in our professional lives. We often put off pursuing our dreams, expanding our businesses, or taking calculated risks because we’re too focused on the minutiae of daily operations. We postpone important decisions thinking there will always be tomorrow. But what if there isn’t?
This is where the concept of “carpe diem” comes into play – seize the day. It’s not about rushing headlong into reckless decisions, but rather about being mindful of our goals, ambitions, and dreams, and actively working towards them.
Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- Setting Priorities: Take a step back and reflect on what truly matters to you in your business and personal life. Are there projects you’ve been postponing that could potentially be game changers? Prioritise them.
- Risk Management: In the world of business, risks are inevitable. However, calculated risks can lead to substantial rewards. Evaluate the risks associated with your decisions, but don’t let fear hold you back.
- Investing in Relationships: Just as life is short, business relationships are precious. Don’t hesitate to reach out, network, and collaborate. You never know how a partnership or connection today might shape your tomorrow.
- Adaptability: The world of business is ever-changing. Embrace innovation, stay flexible, and be willing to adapt to new opportunities and challenges.
- Work-Life Balance: Remember that success is not just about financial gains. Ensure you have time for your personal life and well-being. A burnt-out entrepreneur is not an effective one.
In the end, the passing of a famous figure reminds us that time is our most valuable asset. It’s limited and precious. While we continue to strive for success in our businesses, let’s also make a conscious effort to seize the day, cherish our moments, and work towards our aspirations with purpose and determination.
In the words of the great poet Robert Herrick, “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, old Time is still a-flying.” So, let us seize the day and make the most of our lives and businesses while we have the opportunity.
