Cherishing Time and Focusing on What Matters:
Business Insights from Life's Fragility

As I get older, I find myself reflecting more on the time I spend with my family, especially during holiday gatherings. These moments seem to pass by so quickly, and they remind me of the things I still want to accomplish, as well as the things I believe I'm called to do. It’s funny how you don’t always realize what’s important until something—sometimes just a small visual—brings it to the forefront of your mind.

For me, that moment came last year when I did a quick search (yes, a "5-second Google lookup") to check the average life expectancy for men. I did the math, and suddenly, I felt much older than I had before. It was eye-opening. That moment pushed me to create a small, tangible reminder that time really does fly. Life can be so fleeting—like a vapor—and I wanted something that would constantly remind me of that.

I came up with a simple idea: I took a glass jar and filled it with small wooden balls, each marked with a number representing a year of life expectancy I have left. Every year, I take one ball out of the jar, and the decreasing number serves as a visual reminder that my time here is limited. But it’s not about focusing on the countdown—it’s about regaining perspective. It’s about reflecting on what I’ve neglected over the year, whether it’s relationships, goals, or just daily moments that deserve more attention.

This mindset shift has also inspired how one could approach their business. Much like life, our time and resources in business are limited, and it’s so easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks, neglecting things that really matter. So, I wanted to share some things that, if we aren't careful, we might overlook in the pursuit of growth. Just like how I use my life jar as a reminder, these are a few things I believe every business owner should take time to reflect on regularly.

1. Revenue & Profitability: Are you growing?

Is your business bringing in more revenue year after year? And just as importantly, are you maintaining a healthy profit margin? A growing business is exciting, but it’s crucial that your profitability keeps up with that growth. Keeping a close eye on both is key to long-term success.

2. Cash Flow: Can you meet your obligations?

Profit on paper doesn’t always translate to financial health. Even if your business is profitable, if you’re struggling to manage cash flow, you can run into serious issues. Can you meet your short-term debt obligations? It’s an area often overlooked but is absolutely critical for business survival.

3. Debt Levels: Is your debt manageable?

Debt can be a tool for growth, but too much can weigh your business down. Take a hard look at your debt levels and ensure they’re manageable. Too much debt can create unnecessary strain and affect your ability to make strategic decisions.

4. Expenses: Are you overspending?

Are your expenses under control? It’s easy to overlook, but regular reviews of your spending can reveal areas where you might be overspending. Cutting costs doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality—it’s about finding smarter, more efficient ways to allocate resources.

5. Operational Efficiency: Are you working efficiently?

Is your business running as smoothly as it could be? Are there any bottlenecks in your processes? Sometimes, small inefficiencies can add up and drain your time and resources. Streamlining operations can help boost productivity without adding more stress.

6. Technology & Infrastructure: Is it time to upgrade?

Is your technology supporting your business, or is it holding you back? Outdated systems and tools can cause frustration and slow down productivity. Investing in the right technology can pay off significantly by making your operations smoother and more efficient.

Conclusion