The Perspective Paradigm: Unlock the secret performance tool for greater fulfillment–and profits

ILLUSTRATION BY RUTH MACAPAGAL

(Conclusion)

Most successful leaders I coach are masters of achievement. They know how to set goals, move fast and hit numbers. But they often underinvest in fulfillment—the art of feeling good along the way. Here’s the hard truth: if you don’t learn to enjoy today, you will not enjoy tomorrow, no matter what it may bring.

One of my clients, an Asian CEO of a multigenerational family business powerhouse, planned a beautiful wedding anniversary getaway with his spouse. But by the time he arrived, he spent almost the whole day stressing about a business issue. The celebration was lost. We then put systems in place that he could switch off and leave work behind whenever he wanted.

READ: Unlocking the secret performance tool for greater fulfillment, profits

Realize that the email can wait, but your child’s school performance can’t be relived. The quarterly numbers will come again, but your parent’s 80th birthday won’t.

Say no to the good to say yes to the great

This is one of the hardest lessons for high-capacity leaders. The more successful you become, the more opportunities land in your inbox. And most of them are good.

But the great CEOs and owners—the ones who build billion-dollar companies and still manage to stay grounded—ruthlessly protect their time and energy. They say no to 99 things so they can say yes to the one that truly moves the needle. Perspective is the lens that lets you see which is which.

The perspective flip: See your life from the outside

Imagine stepping outside your body and watching your life unfold like a movie. What would you notice? What would you change?

Too many leaders are trapped inside their heads—seeing only the stress, the to-do lists and the daily fires. But when you zoom out, you see what really matters. You notice how little time you spend on what you claim to value most. You realize how precious your health, your family and your freedom really are.

Great leaders learn to zoom out often. They work with advisors, mentors and coaches who help them gain this external perspective. Without it, they risk becoming prisoners of their own ambition.

‍Avoid the ‘I’ll be happy when. . .’ trap

This is one of the most dangerous patterns I’ve seen. It goes like this: “I’ll finally be happy when we hit $500 million in revenue … when I exit the company … when my child finishes school…”

But every time that milestone comes, another takes its place. The finish line keeps moving.

The most centered leaders flip the script. They don’t delay happiness. They find ways to feel joy, peace and fulfillment now—while still building the future. Because if you can’t feel successful in the present, you’ll never feel it in the future either.

Three to thrive: How to master your perspective starting today

1. Schedule “Perspective Reviews.”

Once a week, block 30 minutes. Ask yourself: Where am I winning? What really matters this month? What am I overlooking because I’m too close to the action?

2. Track progress by looking backward.

Keep a journal or simple note where you record wins and personal growth. Use it to compare your current self to your past self, not to others.

3. Anchor to the now.

Use grounding rituals—walks, breath work, or short meditations—to keep you anchored in the present. Life is happening now. Don’t miss it while chasing the future. INQ

Tom Oliver, a “global management guru” (Bloomberg), is the chair of The Tom Oliver Group, the trusted advisor and counselor to many of the world’s most influential family businesses, medium-sized enterprises, market leaders and global conglomerates.

For more information and inquiries: TomOliverGroup.com or email [email protected].