Men Wait too Long to Learn this

Most men waste decades of their life before realizing this one inevitable reality:

Primary relationships are everything.

A friend of mine recently went to a dinner where he was honored at work. After some nice things were said by a few execs, every single one of the men under his care (nearly 100 of them) went unprompted to his wife and sons to tell them a story of how he had impacted their life for the better. It was amazing.

Yet, on the ride home, no one said a word. Not a single congratulations or expression of amazement for what he accomplished. Nothing.

As quickly as they arrived, the boys went inside. Still without a word. My friend turned to his wife and asked her what was going on. She grabbed his hand, looked lovingly into his eyes, and said this:

"Tonight was amazing. You should be proud of all the good you've done in the world. It's clear that for the last 20 years, your work has received the best of you. I guess the boys and I are wondering when it's going to be our turn. When are we going to get your best?"

And, with that, she left.

Were those 20 years a waste? Not exactly. But, would my friend give anything to go back and tell his younger self to do some things differently? You're damn right he would.

In the end, you won't measure your life by what you did, what you said, what you earned, what your industry thinks of you. You'll measure it by the depth of the love shared with your wife and your children.

So, no matter your past, no matter what you've done, starting today, give them your best and never settle for anything less.