The Business (and Pleasure) of Living Well

Running your life is very much like running a business, and this blog contains ideas and stories from my own life to help you do exactly that—to live your life well.

When I was very young I knew that I was supposed to be a writer.  I’m now seventy-six, and have taken a long detour to finally become who I’m supposed to be.  Geoffrey Chaucer observed more than six hundred years ago that the craft of life takes long to learn, and Emily Dickinson added, more than four hundred years later, each day our life is lit, a little at a time.

At work, at home, or in the company of friends, we might play different roles, but our essential qualities endure.

By observing your own “belt buckle” (People Tool Number 6 in the original book People Tools) your actions will reveal who you are and if you remain open the true essence of your nature will emerge.

I began my business life as a math tutor one evening when my high school debating partner had something better to do and asked me to take his place.  I loved the money, twice the minimum wage at the time, and came to love the teaching.

Even then I realized I loved helping others and that there are three concentric circles of influence.  First, my family and friends.  We see each other often and influence each other greatly.  Second, those I mentor.  We see each other less frequently and for shorter periods of time (until we become friends).  Our influence on each other is less, but still considerable.  Third, those who know me through my writing. My influence as a writer may be diluted by time and distance, but it is focused and circulated more widely, potentially for many years.

I was delighted when a former employee, Rina, re- introduced herself to me at the end of a book signing for my first People Tools book.

“Remember me?  I was your legal secretary when I was nineteen years old.”

I did.  I recognized her smile.

“I remember,” she said, “that whenever I came in late you would tap your watch and say, ‘You’re one minute late,’ or ‘You’re two minutes late.’”

“I did?”

“Yes.  But you also complimented me when I was on time.”

“Thank goodness.  I hope I’ve learned a thing or two since then. I wouldn’t criticize you today for being late.”

“Today I would be on time.  I was nineteen then.  You taught me a lot.  I didn’t appreciate most of it until I was older.”

We chatted.  I reflected on what Rina had shared, that she and I are both very different people from who we were forty years ago.

Today in my life I seldom feel the need to tap my watch or to blame.  I don’t criticize people for being late.  I just recognize that we each have difficulties and differences.  I now feel more compassion, including compassion for myself. This entire blog is essentially about compassion.

And my goal every week is to help you through the challenges of your life, so you can realize your full potential and climb as far as you possibly can.

Alan