A few years ago, as I watched my youngest daughter graduate from high school, I was struck by the energy and anticipation in the eyes of the 240 students dressed in caps and gowns. Some were eager to close the chapter on school, while others leaned into the promise of what’s next.

Regardless of their path, some will be swept up in the demands of work and ambition, while others, by intention or luck, will discover a rhythm that honors both life and labor. That second group is more likely to find enduring happiness, deeper success and fewer regrets.

One of the most common regrets voiced at the end of life is this: I wish I hadn’t worked so much.

Of all the things a person might look back on with sorrow, this one stands out. It’s a quiet but powerful truth that invites us to reconsider how we spend our time, before it’s too late.

Those who carry this regret often speak of missing out on time with spouses, children, family, friends and even themselves. They let personal dreams and adventures slip away in the pursuit of success. And once those moments are gone, they’re gone for good.

The truth is: Time is the one currency we can never earn back. We can accumulate wealth, build businesses and chase recognition, but we cannot rewind the clock.

In business, we’re taught to chase profit, outperform competitors and climb as high as possible. There’s a prevailing mantra: Make as much money as you can, be the best, win at all costs. But we rarely ask: At what cost?

When business owners focus solely on financial gain, they often expect their teams to do the same. They forget that these people have lives, dreams and desires too. The relentless pursuit of success can lead to burnout, disconnection and a culture where people are treated as tools rather than human beings. The irony is that this approach often undermines the very success it seeks to achieve. When people feel unseen, overworked and undervalued, performance suffers and so does the spirit of the organization.

Financial success and the recognition that comes with it can be intoxicating; it feeds the ego. But like any addiction, it can distort our view of what truly matters. When we lose sight of the bigger picture, we lose balance and with it, the very joy and fulfillment we’re chasing. We become so focused on the summit that we forget to enjoy the climb.

In my work with business owners, I help them pause and reflect. I ask them to consider what they truly value and whether the sacrifices they’re making align with those values. Often, they’ve never asked themselves these questions. They’ve been running so fast, for so long, they’ve lost touch with the deeper reasons behind their drive.

Once they begin to build life/work balance skills, their choices shift. They still achieve financial success, often more than before, but it’s no longer the only measure. This shift ripples outward, creating healthier, more human-centered workplaces.

And the impact is profound. When leaders prioritize balance, their teams feel it. They feel supported, respected and empowered to pursue their own version of success. The workplace becomes a space where people thrive, not just survive. And that, in turn, fuels innovation, loyalty and long-term growth.

It’s important to understand that once your children are grown, your youth has faded, and your health has declined, the dreams you postponed for “someday” may no longer be possible. We all know people who worked tirelessly to earn the freedom to enjoy life, only to find that, by the time they got there, they had waited too long. The vacations they dreamed of, the hobbies they hoped to explore, the relationships they meant to nurture all became distant memories of what could have been.

Your life is happening now. There is space within it for everything you desire: meaningful work; financial gain; and the simple pleasures that bring you joy. You don’t have to choose between success and fulfillment. You can have both if you’re willing to be intentional.

When you approach life and work with clarity and balance, you won’t need to grind endlessly to feel successful. You’ll begin to measure success not just by what you earn, but by how you live. You’ll find joy in the everyday moments, pride in your contributions and peace in your choices.

And when your time comes to look back, you’ll do so with gratitude, not regret.