Eight years ago, I captured a moment of my son on video. He was just about 2 years old, swinging in the baby swing, and now I look at that video and can hardly believe how fast time has flown. In just another 8 years, he’ll be graduating high school.
It’s why I refuse to miss a moment.
We get so caught up in chasing goals, in trying to build the future we think we want, that sometimes we forget the most important moments are happening right now. I’ve learned that there’s nothing more valuable than being present for the ones we love—because these moments, the ones we often take for granted, are the ones we’ll never get back.
But here’s the thing: so many of us are stuck in the mindset of “I’ll get to it later.” We think, once I hit this milestone, once work slows down, once things settle, then I’ll have time to focus on what really matters. But time doesn’t wait. And while you’re busy chasing the next thing, life is happening. Your kids, your family—they’re growing, changing, and they need you now.
I know because I’ve been there too.
I used to think, “When things calm down, when I get past this next big hurdle, I’ll start focusing on my family more.” But then I realized—by the time things calm down, the moments that matter most could already be gone. I made a decision that nothing, not even my ambitions, would come before being present with my family.
Why? Because in another 8 years, my son will be out of high school, and these next few years are everything. I can’t afford to miss it, and neither can you.
Here’s what I’ve learned about balancing ambition and presence:
- There’s always another milestone. No matter how hard we push or how much we achieve, there will always be something else to chase. But the moments with your kids? They’re fleeting. They don’t wait for the perfect time, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
- Slow down, don’t stop. Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. It means finding a pace that allows you to stay present in your life while still moving forward. You don’t have to run full speed to make progress—you just need to stay steady, intentional, and in control.
- Presence matters more than progress. When your kids look back, they won’t remember the hours you put into work—they’ll remember the time you spent with them. Being physically there isn’t enough; they need you mentally and emotionally, too. That’s what leaves a lasting impact.
So here’s a question for you:
Are you living the life you want right now, or are you constantly putting it off for some future version of yourself? How many more moments are you willing to let slip by while you chase something that won’t matter as much as you think?
It’s not about quitting your ambitions—it’s about finding a way to pursue them without sacrificing the moments that truly matter. Because here’s the truth: you can’t get those moments back, but you can make the choice to be present for them today.
So why are you still waiting?
Eight years from now, my son will be walking across that stage, and I’m committed to being there for every single step of the way. I won’t miss a thing. And you don’t have to either. You can still reach your goals, but don’t let them come at the cost of what’s most important.
Let’s have a conversation. Let’s talk about how you can design a life where you’re not just focused on the future, but you’re fully here, right now, enjoying the moments that matter most.
email me joe@joeperrone.biz
You’re closer than you think to living the life you truly want—one that you won’t look back on with regret.