What Deserves More?

Last week, some friends invited my bride and me to a University of Texas football game. Under normal circumstances, that probably wouldn't be much of a story. I've spent most of my life with a calendar full of things I'm excited about. Races, trips, family adventures, coaching, time with friends, and all sorts of experiences that give me something to look forward to.

But 363 days ago, at my very first ENT appointment, we discovered a tumor on my left vocal cord. Since that day, life has looked a whole lot different. Between treatments, surgeries, and recovery, there hasn't been much on my calendar that I've genuinely been looking forward to. So when the invitation came and I realized I was feeling well enough to go, I got excited. Really excited!

And this wasn't just any football game. Living in Austin, we're Longhorn fans and attend games regularly, but our son Zac went to Ole Miss, so we cheer for the Rebels every week, too. The two teams hadn't played each other in 13 years, and here we were watching them face off in a thriller that came down to the final seconds.

We spent the day with family and friends, surrounded by the energy of a packed stadium, watching two teams we love compete. It was a great day, but what I found most interesting was that the excitement started long before kickoff. Just knowing I had something on the calendar to look forward to brought an energy I hadn't felt in a while.

I've spent years encouraging people to write a future they're excited to wake up to. Last week reminded me how much it matters to have things to look forward to along the way. Not just ten years from now, but next month, next week, and tomorrow.

That experience brought me back to a question I've been thinking about lately. What deserves more of my time, energy and attention right now?

It's an interesting question because so much of our focus gets consumed by whatever is right in front of us. Work, responsibilities, commitments, problems to solve, and people depending on us. All important parts of life, and many of them things we've worked hard to create.

But sometimes we spend so much time and energy on what needs our attention that we forget to make room for what deserves it. And there's a difference.

For me, that football game was a reminder that spending time with the people I love, making memories, and enjoying experiences deserve a place on my calendar, too. Not just when everything else is finished or when life slows down, but right alongside the things I'm working hard to accomplish.

We can become so good at managing our responsibilities that we forget to make room for the things that make life worth all the effort. Maybe what deserves more of your attention is your marriage, your kids, your health, a friendship, a dream you've been putting off, or simply doing something you love.

I've never believed that writing a 10-Year Letter is simply about setting goals or accomplishing more. It's about getting clear on the life you actually want to live and then making choices that move you toward it. That includes enjoying the life you're living along the way.

I still have big dreams. Things I want to build, places I want to go, people I want to help, and experiences I want to have. I'm excited about all of it. And I want to make room for the things that bring energy, meaning, and excitement to my life today.

So here's my encouragement this week. Ask yourself what truly deserves a place on your calendar right now, and then do something about it. Make the phone call, accept the invitation, plan the trip, schedule the time, or put something on your calendar that you're genuinely excited about. Maybe it's finally taking the time to write your own 10-Year Letter. If so, I'd love for you to join us for our live virtual workshop on Monday, November 16 and give yourself the time and guidance to write a future you're excited to live.

Because a life you're excited to wake up to isn't just something you're creating for ten years from now. It's a life you get to live today.