In the reckoning of one’s life, the start is a look back. A question of how one came to be here, in this moment, marks the beginning. It’s the key events, the decisions made, the dreams once held close. And then, what matters now? These are not just reflections but the very essence of being.
Ownership of decisions stands as the core of living. In the vast expanse of life, our control is limited to the choices we make. Blame has no place here. Everyone has known struggle; it binds us. But the hours of the day are equal for all. It is what one does with these hours that sets a man apart.
Who one is and what one desires—these are questions not easily answered. To define oneself in the moment, and to cast a vision for the years ahead, requires courage. It’s not just about oneself, but also where the family stands in this vision. The gap between now and the desired tomorrow prompts a search for what is lacking.
The circle around a man, the few who would answer a call at 3 a.m., these are his true wealth. Family, too, must be close, bound by meals shared and plans made. It is in these connections that strength is found.
Faith, in its purest form, brings humility and a tangible presence of the divine. It guides decisions, bending them towards what is good. It is in the quiet moments of prayer that one finds direction.
The work a man does, whether it serves others directly or provides the means to do so, is his contribution to the world. Every day presents an opportunity to extend kindness, to make the labor meaningful.
Plans, unless committed to paper, remain dreams. It is the written word that transforms them into objectives, complete with deadlines and the means to hold oneself accountable.
And accountability—it comes from those who are willing to stand by one, through failures and triumphs alike. These are the individuals who matter, the ones who are truly indispensable.
This is the essence of living —a series of stark truths and the relentless pursuit of meaning, forged in the clarity of who we are, the choices we make, and the connections that bind us.
We have tools to help you on this journey. A good place to start is with The Ladder UPP workbook. Click here to learn more.