I don't need to attend AA meetings. I need to attend WA meetings. I have placed a large focus of my time and energy on professional success. It's partially due to the fact that I don't have any kids yet and I live far from the majority of my family. At least that's what I tell myself. Maybe I'll still be this way once I have kids...who knows? I like working. I like putting energy into my own ideas as well as learning new skills from traditional jobs. I read tons of self help books and educational books. I don't mind working 12, 13, 14 hour days as long as I like it and I can find some flexibility to mix in hobbies that I like.
So I ask you and myself, is that wrong?
My instinct tells me no but you also have to understand what is important. This goes back to your 80 year view. Most people don't care if they are remembered as a great banker or consultant or tech guru. They want to be remembered for being a mother or mentor or philanthropist.
I have been reading a book called, "Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun." This book chronicles the life of Reginald "Reg" Lewis. At one point he was the richest Black Man in the US. He was admitted to Harvard Law without taking the LSAT or even applying. He started his own law firm two years out of law school. Then Reg eventually a $2BN dollar corporation in the 80s. This was all done by 47. He died at 50 of brain cancer two months after he was diagnosed. He had a wife and two small daughters that he never saw.
What I wouldn't give to understand what he was thinking and feeling during those last two months. Did he have any regrets? Would he do things differently if he was given another chance? Was the personal success gratifying enough to have missed so much of his family? Maybe his actions aligned with his 80 year view. I don't know. But as I think about my own 80 year view, I hope I don't regret the actions of the young me.