I think so. Where I am today versus last year and every year over the past ten years ago, is significant.
One year ago… I was now in my first month reliant on SalesQualia for a living – no more stipends from Blend or teaching paychecks from Hult.
Two years ago… I was just starting my transition plan from Blend to SalesQualia, working with a business coach every week to find my path and build my plan to leave the last job I’d ever have.
Three years ago… I was six months into my work with Blend, fighting depression.
Four years ago… I was thinking about how I could leave CoreLogic after spending a year there collecting a generous paycheck for doing not much of anything.
Five years ago… Benjamin was only two months old. We were six weeks out of the NICU. I was finishing my last week at Altos Research after five years of building the company from its earliest days.
Six years ago… I was firmly ensconced with training for Ironman #2 while in the middle of a potential acquisition of Altos that fell through the floor because I told the acquiring CEO the truth about what he could expect from me.
Seven years ago... I was two months away from Ironman #1 and thinking that I had time in my life to do pretty much anything I wanted.
Eight years ago… Lena was traveling to Africa for months on end, living in huts shared with cows and sleeping under mosquito nets.
Nine years ago… We were living in Oakland with Lena commuting to Davis via Amtrak 4-5 days a week.
Ten years ago this week… I started the path I’m on now – exiting my failed consulting company, deciding that 230 pounds was unacceptable and placing Life ahead of selfishness.
Today, Lena is a pilot and a PhD. Benjamin is healthy. My company is growing every day. I’ve knocked out three Ironmans and an Uberman. I wake up every day nearly 50 pounds lighter while physically, mentally and emotionally stronger.
To go from worrying about the next poker night to pondering if I’d be okay with dying today. That’s pretty good.
** This post was inspired by Tim Ferriss’s recent podcast with Cheryl Strayed.