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Personal Development

Beginning With The End In Mind

By July 1, 2015No Comments

Note: This post (written August 2014) was inspired by an obituary I read that chronicled the life a wonderful lady.  As I read the tribute, I began to think about how my own obituary would read.  The result was this blog.  Perhaps it will serve as an encouragement to you as you seek to put into practice what best-selling business author Stephen Covey said: “Begin with the end in mind.”

(Anywhere, USA) John A. Smith, age 54, 123 Elm St., Anywhere, USA, died last week at his desk at work from complications stemming from a common disease afflicting many Americans (predominately men) known as an Unbalanced Life, which typically develops from high exposure to a sister disease known as Affluenza.

John was born to Conrad and Mary Smith, loving parents who never had much in the way of material possessions, but who always modeled a strong work ethic and who both sacrificed of themselves so that their children could have opportunities they never had.  Mr. Smith leaves behind Rebecca, his loving wife of 27 years, and two children; Abigail (age 21), and Michael (age 16).  He earned a bachelor’s degree from State University, graduating with a 2.6 GPA.  For the past 23 years he has held positions in middle management for AnkouCorp, a large U.S. conglomerate.

John always worked very hard to prove to all those around him that he was valuable to his company, and sacrificed time that he could be spending with his family to make sure shareholders were satisfied each and every quarter.  Although shareholders weren’t always satisfied, Mr. Smith nonetheless worked at a relentless pace to do better next quarter so that when the stack rankings of the middle managers came out each quarter, he could be assured a place in the top half.  John’s work accomplishments were as follows: “Top Producer” (3rd quarter 2002) and “2007 Company Team Player” for his work on the “Do More…Do it Now” campaign.  His numbers from his most recent quarter (which lagged his previous quarterly performance) are as follows: revenue grown +1.2%, sales force growth +2.9%, expenses -0.4% (Mr. Smith’s previous results were not available per company officials as “they are deemed irrelevant at this point in time”).

John devoted his life to his work and family and gave his time and talents to these things. He spent long hours at the office so that his family could enjoy the material possessions that his parents were never able to provide.  He was a member of Faith Chapel, Rotary, Kiwanis, and served as campaign chairman for his company for the local United Way last year.  All who knew John admired him most for his dedication to AnkouCorp.  He will be remembered for his commitment to corporate profitability, his “take no prisoners” management style and his belief in his company.  While not loved by all in the workplace, he was admired by all for his shrewdness and focus.  His co-workers will affectionately remember John for his favorite quote: “What have you done for me lately?”

John loved his family.  When asked about his favorite memory of his father Michael replied, “The time my Dad’s important business trip got cancelled due to snow, and Dad made pancakes for me and took me bowling.”  Abigail shared, “When I played Snow White in my kindergarten play and Dad smiled at me from behind the video camera as he taped me.”

The lake and mountains were his favorite places, although due to his schedule he was rarely able to go.  However he often talked about how he was going to spend more time with his family at these places when he took his early retirement at age sixty.  “I’m looking forward to doing all the things at retirement that I used to enjoy, but didn’t have time to do,” his wife Rebecca remembered him so often saying.  He enjoyed spending time in the office before others arrived at work having his morning coffee and reading the Wall Street Journal.  John enjoyed the satisfaction of putting in a good days work.

John was alone when he died and was discovered by the cleaning crew about 10:00 pm, as he was working after normal business hours on a project around the company’s latest initiative, “Employee Workplace Engagement.”

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday at 11 am at Faith Chapel.  The family will receive friends at their home. In lieu of flowers, please buy some paper and a pen and write down the things you need to say and do with those you love the most.

“The soul refuses to be harnessed; it knows nothing of Day Timers and deadlines and P&L statements.  The soul longs for passion, for freedom, for life.”     -John Eldredge, from the book “Wild at Heart”

We all write our own obituary.  How will yours read?


Bill Edmonds is an Executive Coach and Consultant who works with leaders to help them reach their full potential by specializing in areas of organizational and personal development. He spent 24 years in leadership with Merrill Lynch until his retirement in 2014, where he lead a $100+ million per year revenue business unit as a Director with the firm.


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