“Do every act of your life as though it were the very last act of your life.”
Marcus Aurelius
I don’t want to start the day in a morbid manner, but have you ever paused to ask yourself: If this were my last day, would I want to do what I’m about to do? Marcus Aurelius reminds us to act with urgency and intentionality. Steve Jobs echoed this wisdom centuries later: “For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
Why Intentionality Matters in Leadership
Leadership through intentionality transforms how we approach every moment. It’s not about monumental gestures but consistent, meaningful decisions that reflect what we value most. When we treat every action as though it matters—because it does—we lead with purpose.
Take Action:
- Start with clarity: Reflect on whether your actions align with your values today.
- Commit fully: Choose one meaningful act to focus on and give it your all.
- End with reflection: Ask yourself, Did I show up as the leader I want to be?