Doing a job that provides no pleasure just to make the mortgage payment is a sacrifice that many executives learn to regret.

It is so easy to lose ourselves in the obsession of the next promotion, closing that next big contract or getting the bonus, as if life will be better when we achieve more.

But in reality nothing changes, except more responsibility and more problems.

I have had to examine hard why I do what I do. I have to remind myself of my bigger purpose and not deviate from it – every decision I make must be aligned.

Having a goal is important. But how does it align to your purpose? Who are you serving by achieving the goal?

Find time to play everyday, find joy in everything you do by making life better for those around you. Your customers, your team and your family.

Otherwise this life could pass you by like it has for so many executives only to wish they could reverse time.