While business and results are important, they’re not the most important things in life. Maybe even in business.
Back in 2012, singer Fiona Apple realized this. She was booked for 12 dates in South America, but Apple postponed those tour dates because of something extremely important to her.
What was more important than touring? More important than pleasing customers? More important than making money?
Her ailing 13-year-old pitbull Janet.
Apple had rescued the pup 10 years prior in Echo Park, Los Angeles. She took in the dog, and the two quickly became best friends. Over the years, they had their good days, and then, in 2010, Janet began to show signs of a tumor.
As Apple saw the health of her constant companion wane, she gave up what many people think is all-important: Business, customers, and making money.
I applaud Apple for doing so. It takes guts and courage to go against the grain. It takes strength to say you’re going to give up business to take care of your family (because that’s what pets become).
More Important Than Business
As leaders, we understand the importance of business. Of getting things done. We can’t neglect our customers, employees, and vendors. However, we also can’t neglect the most important people and things in our lives.
We have to realize there are more important things than business.
- The health of a loved one
- The birth of a child
- The presence of close friends
- Your spouse
- Caring for friends who have been in a tragedy
- Your health
I could continue the list, but you get the gist of things. There are important things we can overlook because we’re off pursuing our business, growing our client list, or trying to bring in more revenue.
You won’t be remembered for those things at the end of your life, and you probably won’t be remembered for much, even shortly after your death.
Yet, you will be remembered by those closest to you. By what you’ve done for and to them.
I want you to remember to take care of, be with, and be a part of those you care about. They’re more important than any business will ever be.
Let me leave you with Fiona Apple’s words. May they remind you of what’s important the next time you give up valuable time with loved ones. Your choices define you.
These are the choices we make, which define us. I will not be the woman who puts her career ahead of love and friendship. I am the woman who stays home and bakes tilapia for my dearest, oldest friend. And helps her be comfortable, and comforted, and safe, and important.
