In a blog post related to choosing wisely, adapted from his new book The Earned Life, the renowned leadership expert and bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith explores the notion of delayed gratification and how sometimes it’s necessary to choose gratification over delay.
“Adding value to your life is a goal worth earning. There’s no regret either. Regret is the price you pay for not paying the price.”
Goldsmith writes: “The most persuasive reason for paying the price is that anytime you sacrifice something for something, you are compelled to value it more. Adding value to your life is a goal worth earning. Then again, paying the price also feels good, whether or not your heroic effort delivered the reward. There’s no shame in falling short if you gave it your best shot. There’s no regret either. Regret is the price you pay for not paying the price.”
President Joe Biden recently signed a $40 billion package of new aid for Ukraine. This brings the total to $54 that the United States has pledged toward countering Russia’s invasion, when combined with a smaller package passed in March. The money in the newly enacted package is nearly evenly divided between military and humanitarian aid. The U.S., like some other countries aiding Ukraine, has chosen to act now rather than wait for further sanctions to take effect.
In The Earned Life Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crises, including regrets that stem from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroute destinies, and haunt our memories. These are particularly timely themes today.
With Goldsmith’s book as a guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life that is fulfilling in the long run.
You can read Marshall Goldsmith’s blog here.
About MARSHALL GOLDSMITH
Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized for years as the world’s leading executive coach and the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Mojo, and Triggers. He received his Ph.D. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. In his coaching practice, Goldsmith has advised more than 200 major CEOs and their management teams. He and his wife live in Nashville, Tennessee.
About THE EARNED LIFE
In THE EARNED LIFE (Currency Books), Marshall Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crisis: regret, the kind stemming from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroutes destinies, and haunts our memories—particularly timely themes as the pandemic and Great Resignation inspire people to seek meaning in their lives, get unstuck and make changes. With this book as their guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life too fulfilling to dwell on the “what ifs.”
If you’d like more information on Marshall Goldsmith, The Earned Life, and his work, please get in touch with Lyda Goldsmith.
