Data from the World Bank of Labor statistics, based on the U.S. population, says the average person lives to age 78. Here’s how they spend it:

• 28.3 years (1/3 of life) sleeping
• 10.5 years working
• 9 years watching TV and on social networks
• 6 years doing chores
• 4 years eating and drinking
• 3.5 years education
• 2.5 years grooming
• 1.5 years shopping
• 1.3 years commuting
• 9 years left (How will you spend it?)

Whether you agree or not, or match closely to this breakdown of time, let’s assume you do have 9 years left… How will you spend it?

I’d like to suggest a paradigm shift. Rather than “spending” think in terms of “investing”— Investing our time causes us to think more intentional.

I recently updated my “Life Plan.” It includes my stated purpose, code of honor (8-10 choices and promises I intent to live by), my “big 5” values, and my vision statement with goals/activities in seven key areas. My key areas are:

• Family/relationships
• Career/work
• Health/fitness
• Financial
• Personal development
• Spiritual peace
• Fun factor.

“My Life Plan” is a 12-24 month action plan of intentional investments. It’s updated every July and August because I use these months as my “vision months.”

Life is short— the Bible says it is a vapor. It must be valued and invested in the right people and right activities.

One of my mentor, Herman Cain, says, “Life is a dash, not a running dash, but on your tombstone it will print your name, date of birth, and a dash (—), the day you pass-away.”

It is all about the dash— How will you live your dash?
Let’s invest in the right relationships and right activities.

Here is to intentional living!
— Steve