I did a lot of reading last year (a lot for me, anyway). There’s one book in particular that stuck with me. It’s called 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson.

The quote I’ve been dwelling on, and plan to continue dwelling on into 2019, is this:

“Pursue what is meaningful, not what is expedient.”

Why? Because, as Peterson says, “there is no faith and no courage and no sacrifice in doing what is expedient.”

For so long, I focused on what is most commonly referred to in the business world as “the hustle.” Growth is the goal. Productivity is the strategy.

I’m not saying the hustle is necessarily bad, but it is not inherently good. As an entrepreneur, productivity can become an idol. It can lead also to burnout.

This year, I want to focus on what is meaningful.

What does this mean for me?

Meaningful means giving candid feedback and having uncomfortable conversations with people in my life.

Meaningful means nurturing business relationships with the long game in mind, not just quick wins.

Meaningful means being present with my kids and remembering that the days may seem long but the years are short.

Meaningful means pursuing my wife by giving her the best of me, not the leftovers at the end of the day.

Meaningful means creating more than consuming.

I could go on, but I won’t. I just needed to put this out there so it stays top of mind for me. And if it helps you too, then great, I’ve done something meaningful for today 👊