Recently, I stopped by my son William’s grave and put fresh flowers on his tombstone. Even though it’s been over twenty years since his passing, visiting him always causes me to think in meaningful and significant ways and last week was no exception.
In the days since, I’ve remembered how tombstones literally transformed my life. Thirty years ago, I was working as an accountant doing some fantastic cost accounting that was killing my soul. And I clearly remember thinking, “If this is what’s going on my tombstone, I can’t live with that.”
In that moment, I knew I needed to change my life’s direction. I left my executive position and started working as a substitute teacher in the Virginia elementary and middle schools. This led to a doctorate in education and a satisfying career as an educator. That one moment became a rich catalyst in my life.
So I ask you to take a moment to think about your tombstone. What will be written there? Can you live with it?
If you can’t live with that tombstone, don’t wait another minute to start making impactful, thoughtful changes. I want you to look back twenty years from now and see how a tombstone can change your life … for the better.