Values Based Decision Making: Wisdom From Your 100 Year old Self

Celebrating 100 Years and What Matters Most

This past weekend I had the extraordinary experience of attending a 100th birthday party in Mexico City. The guest of honour was the grandmother of a dear friend, a woman who first touched my life at the very impressionable age of 17. We hadn't seen each other in 27 years. When I kneeled down to greet her, she grasped my chin, looked into my eyes, teared up, and said "Sarita!"

I was a puddle.

To be held in someone's memory across 27 years, to still be part of their circle of love after a century of living, is something I won't forget. Mamavita and her family shared a small note with everyone at the celebration.

[Translated from Spanish]

"100 years. They teach us that life is built with love, patience, and small moments. Today we celebrate not only time, but all that has blossomed. Thank you for being part of this story."

Simple. Profound. Grounded in Values.

Mid-career is a strange and powerful place to be. You've built something real: skills, a reputation, a trajectory. But sometimes the ladder you've been climbing starts to feel like it's leaning against the wrong wall, or maybe the wall itself is shifting. In a world where AI is reshaping entire industries overnight, values-based decision making has never been more essential. Knowing what you truly want and letting your values guide you is one of the most underrated tools in a leader's toolkit.

The Visualization

Mamavita's birthday inspired me with the clarity that time brings. I was inspired to record a guided 100-year-old self visualization. It draws on a seminar I attended with Natasha Walji, my time with Mamavita, and my coaching training.

Carve out 15 minutes, find a quiet cozy spot, grab a pen and paper, and press play. The writing you do afterward is where the gold often is.

🔉Audio Here🔉

After you listen, sit with these questions:

• What truly mattered in your life?

• What are you most proud of?

• What do you wish you had prioritized more?

• What didn't matter as much as you once thought?

• What 3 to 5 values surfaced for you?