Guy: This is why it’s much easier to be a writer or speaker than a manager. Maybe “always” is too strong, but if you generally default to yes, you’ll be busy, but you’ll also make connections and establish yourself as a winner.
Chip: What do you wish you’d said “yes” to in your life at an earlier age?
Guy: After I left Apple the second time in 1997, Steve offered me another job. I said no. That’s why I still have to write, speak, and podcast.
Chip: What are you saying “yes” to in your 60’s that is surprising you?
Guy: To be honest, I’m generally defaulting to no because I know that my time with my family is limited. No one ever looked back at the end of his life and said, “I should have made more business commitments.”
Chip: It sounds like you’ve perfected the “Great Midlife Edit.” If you live to 95, you will take approximately 798,912,000 breaths. How many have truly been conscious? How would you live differently if you knew you’d just surpassed 798,900,000 and only have 12,000 more? The less time you have, the better it gets. You don’t sweat all those past breaths. As we move to the finish line, we think more about time well spent. And, we even imagine what will be on our tombstone and what it should say. I want mine to read, “Passionately lived his life with grace and grit…in that order.” What about you, Guy, I know you’re a big fan of grit?
Guy: I want my tombstone to say, “He empowered people.” That is, I empowered people through my podcasting, writing, speaking, advising, and investing to change the world, dent the universe, and kick ass. I guess that means I love grit.
Chip: Any last words of wisdom on the subject of how to cultivate and harvest wisdom in one’s life? Thanks for joining us.
Guy: Everyone should stop reading inspirational quotes and get to work. They should also stop listening to podcasts for inspiration except for mine. My guests are truly remarkable people who will help you become a little more remarkable too.
