The Last Blog Post: 5 Lessons I'd Leave Behind

By Paul Roetzer | Posted February 8, 2011 | 6 Comment(s) | Filed in: Business

“If you had one last blog post to write, what would you say?”

Inspired by Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture,” Daniel Burstein of MECLABS Primary Research asked that very question to a group of marketing bloggers.

Daniel wondered what impact it would have if these bloggers came together to share their ideas, and simultaneously publish blog posts on Feb. 8, 2011 at 8 a.m. EST.

The Challenge

I thought it was a fascinating concept, and welcomed the opportunity to participate. But what would I say?

• What unique experiences and insights could I offer?
• What have I learned in my 32+ years that I could share?
• How have the last five-plus years as an entrepreneur changed my perspective on life? And how have my life experiences during that time changed my perspective on business?
• What thoughts and ideas would I leave behind?

The Inspiration

My personal experiences have had a direct and lasting impact on my goals for the agency, the people that I choose to surround myself with, and the decisions that I make every day on where to focus my time and energy.

While I've written a collection of blog posts on life lessons and business strategy for the PR 20/20 blog, I found my inspiration in something I once created to honor the memory of a friend:

“Some people measure greatness in dollars, influence or power. Their pursuit of happiness and satisfaction is eternal. Others live every day as a gift. They cherish the events, people, places and experiences that make life beautiful. They know that while we live life in days, weeks, months and years . . . we remember it in moments, and they seek to create, embrace and cherish them.”

This passage has come to define my beliefs and guide my actions, both in business and life, and served as the foundation for what I would say if this were “the last post” . . .

The Lessons I’d Leave Behind

1) Pursue purpose.

It’s not about the money, or at least it shouldn’t be. We all have basic financial needs that must be satisfied, but no amount of money, fame or power will bring happiness. In fact, my experiences have shown me that they often have the opposite affect. In order to find happiness, we must be a part of something greater than ourselves, something that we truly believe in.

The same holds true for businesses. While for-profit companies are in business to make money, the most important organizations, the ones that have the potential to change industries and our world, are often started because the founders believe they have a higher purpose.

They build what others aren’t willing or able to out of passion and an undying belief that they can create something of great and lasting significance.

True entrepreneurs will never be satisfied with riches. They have to affect change, and will risk everything to make their vision reality.

2) Success is a process, not a privilege.

No one owes you anything. Success, however you define it, requires persistence, perseverance and an uncommon drive to achieve remarkable things.

There are no shortcuts, and no guarantees. You have to be able to find satisfaction and motivation in incremental progress over days, weeks, months and years. And you have to be willing to outwork your peers and competitors, especially when no one is watching. It’s not about rewards or recognition; it’s about an internal burning desire to improve.

If you’re not putting in the time and energy to succeed, someone else will, and you have no right to complain when they take what was yours. It’s OK to be mediocre, but if that’s the path you choose, then alter your expectations about what life will give you in return.

Success isn’t easy, but things worth achieving never are.

3) Spend less time planning, more time doing.

If you want to be the best, don’t waste your time (and others') talking about it. No one cares about what you’re going to do, so just focus your energy on doing.

Plans have their place in business and life, but I’ve found they often serve as a convenient excuse to avoid action.

Life is too short to delay living. And business moves too fast to watch from the sidelines. Take chances. Make decisions. Be willing to admit your mistakes, learn from them and adapt as you go. See failure as an inevitable part of the process, and challenge yourself to embrace it.

4) Nothing great has ever been achieved without passion.

This was my mantra when I founded PR 20/20 is 2005. I had come to believe that the key to life was the desire to be great, and the only way to achieve greatness was to have a consuming passion/love for what you do.

Now “great” can mean different things to different people. Some may define it as success in business, while others may measure it by their contributions to their communities or impact as a mother/father/friend.

Whatever your definition, success and happiness will only come when you pursue your purpose with passion.

5) Everyone has a story.

Take the time to listen and understand before you judge. Everyone has a unique set of circumstances and experiences that make them who they are. Whether they are your co-workers, peers, competitors or casual acquaintances, give people a chance before you dismiss them.

At the same time, your energy is best invested in positive people whom you trust and respect, and who challenge you to be a better person and professional.

Negativity will destroy relationships and ruin the chemistry and culture within companies. Build your personal network and businesses around positive people.

Your Thoughts?

What would you share if you were to write your last post?

Related Posts

• 12 Life Lessons of an Entrepreneur
• The Unplugged Experiment
• One of Those Moments