Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them–work, family, health, friends and spirit–and you’re trying to keep all of these balls in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four”-family, health, friends and spirit–are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that, and strive for it.
~Coca-Cola CEO, Bryan Dyson
In my first article of this series, we pondered the question: “What do you want to do with your life?” In attempting to answer this enormous question, I offered advice I have found useful in defining what Bryan Dyson considers a “rubber ball.” In this article, I aim to give you advice that has helped me define the remaining objects in life’s juggle–the personal objects.
After starting my career here in Arkansas, I once took a week-long vacation in Colorado to visit my family. It was the first time that I had seen them in months, after picking up and moving so far away. My family and I had an amazing time there together, making wonderful memories in the Rocky Mountains. All good things must come to an end, and so at the end of the week, I reluctantly boarded a plane to return to work the following day.
On the flight home, I began to reflect back on the memories my family and I had made the past week, as well as similar memories made throughout the years. Cherishing these memories with a gentle smile on my face, I looked forward at my future life, and I asked myself this question: What memories do you want to make in your life?
At that moment, I realized that this question would serve as the basis for all of my future decisions, as they relate to personal aspects of my life. And like the questions I posed in my prior article, answering this question requires much introspection and self-examination. I suggest spending time, as I did, reflecting on positive memories that you cherish. Keep them in mind when facing life-changing personal decisions.
I personally believe Bryan Dyson is right! You don’t want to mar the personal aspects of your life, as often, they will never bounce back. Bear this in mind. I hope my advice of finding your personal intersection, and of making personal decisions based on the memories you want to make, will help you continue to set your own personal compass.
Levi J. Lyons is IEEE-USA’s Young Professionals’ Voice Editor
