Invaluable Lessons On Life and Legacy
Dying Professor's Last Lecture Offers A Timeless Lesson
"Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think."
Sharing this heartfelt message as a reminder to reflect and appreciate how precious life is.
Invaluable Life Lessons
On the vision board in my office, I have these words written:
Always Have Fun
Dream Big
Ask For What You Want
Dare To Take A Risk
Look For The Best In Everybody
Tell The Truth
Let Kids Be Themselves
Don't Obsess Over What People Think
Show Gratitude
Make Time For What Matters
Over the years, these words have served as helpful reminders. These thoughts about what matters most were extracted from invaluable life lessons shared in The Last Lecture. The New York Times best-seller was co-authored by Randolph (Randy) Pausch, an educator and professor. Pausch learned he had pancreatic cancer in September 2006, In August 2007, he was given a terminal diagnosis. In September 2007 he spoke at Carnegie Mellon and gave a lecture titled, "The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" which became a popular YouTube video. Pausch died in July 2008 at the age of 47.
What Matters Most
Years ago, while reading The Last Lecture, I felt compelled by Pausch's words. They still hold meaning and significance for me today.
The true value of time was understood by Pausch. He wrote:
"Ask yourself: Are you spending your time on the right things"
"You may have causes, goals, interests,"
"Are they even worth pursuing?"
Many times over the years, I've referred back to the insight he shared. His words have provided direction and guidance.
Leaving A Legacy
Memorial services held for loved ones and friends who've recently passed away have been cause for a deeper reflection on life.
My hope is sharing this will move and inspire you to think about what matters most in your life.
It's important that we think about the type of life we want to live, how we want to live it, and then live it fully.
Sharing the words Pausch wrote in his book:
"What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance?"
"If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?"
If you have goals you want to reach, a challenge you're navigating, or you'd like help to reflect on life and realize your future, One True You, LLC specializes in leadership, career, and life coaching for leaders in transition or nearing retirement.
Select a date and time from the calendar that’s best for you and reserve your Complimentary Clarity Call to get acquainted.
We’ll talk about what’s happening in your life, the changes you’d like to make, a next step you can take, and how coaching can support your needs.
About the Author:
Deborah Petropoulos is a Transformational Coach and Founder of One True You, LLC.
Debbie inspires successful outcomes for professionals experiencing transition challenges.
Leaders benefit from her 33 years of corporate experience in Global Pharmaceuticals coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams and individuals.
She is an International Coach Federation-accredited coach and holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management.
Debbie specializes in personalized leadership, career, and life coaching for executives, leaders, and professionals nearing retirement.
As an Inspirational Speaker, she shares insightful ways to “Make Your Best Even Better” with business networks, universities, and entrepreneurs throughout the greater Chicago area.
Debbie was recently featured on The Power of the Pivot Podcast with host Alicia Webb. Listen to The Power of Resilience
Debbie enjoys travel, volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities, and time spent with her family and three granddaughters.