The Leadership Perspective Shift We All Need

Imagine this: In 100 years, everything we own today—our homes, cars, and prized possessions—will belong to someone else. The career we worked tirelessly to build will be a footnote in history. Our names may be forgotten, even by our own descendants.

Now, ask yourself: Why do we let small daily stresses consume us? As leaders, we often get caught up in the urgent instead of focusing on the important. If we truly understood the fleeting nature of life, would we lead differently?

The 100-Year Leadership Rule: What Will Really Matter?

Think about the leadership decisions and workplace challenges you faced this past week. In five years, will they still be significant? How about in a century?

Leaders who excel understand this truth: Most daily stresses are temporary, but the impact we have on people lasts.

What Lasts Beyond a Century?

✔ The people you mentor – Your leadership influence will live on through the careers and lives you help shape.
✔ The culture you create – A thriving, positive work environment can outlast individual leaders.
✔ The lessons you teach – Skills and values passed down continue to impact organizations long after you’re gone.
✔ The way you make people feel – As Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Why Leaders Need to Stop Stressing Over the 95%

Most of what we worry about in leadership—the minor setbacks, the tough conversations, the mistakes—won’t matter in the long run. Yet, many leaders let these issues consume them.

The Leadership 5/5 Rule

If it won’t matter in five years, don’t spend more than five minutes being upset about it.

This mindset shift allows leaders to focus on long-term impact rather than short-term frustration.

Practical Ways to Lead with Long-Term Perspective

Now that we know what truly matters, here’s how to implement this mindset in leadership:

1. Focus on People, Not Problems

✔ Instead of stressing over a missed deadline, invest in coaching your team.
✔ Instead of micromanaging, empower others to grow and take ownership.

2. Choose Impact Over Perfection

✔ Don’t get paralyzed by making every decision perfect—prioritize progress over perfection.
✔ Accept that failure is a stepping stone to growth, not a reflection of your worth as a leader.

3. Reframe Stress with a Century-Long Lens

✔ Before reacting emotionally, ask: Will this matter in five years?
✔ If not, let it go and focus on bigger-picture leadership.

4. Build a Legacy, Not Just a Career

✔ Mentor and develop future leaders—your influence can extend far beyond your time in any organization.
✔ Lead with values and integrity—your example will shape the next generation of leadership.

Final Thoughts: The Leadership Mindset That Frees You

A century from now, your possessions will be gone, but your leadership impact will remain. Let that truth shape your decisions today.

So, next time you find yourself stressed over the small stuff, remember: If it won’t matter in five years, don’t give it more than five minutes of your energy.

How will you lead differently knowing this? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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