Imagine being in the middle of the ocean, we’re talking hundreds of kilometres away from land, and being completely surrounded by a frenzy of sharks. For most people, that sounds like a scene straight out of a horror movie. For me, it was a dream come true.
In this video, I want to share how a lot of people, including myself, are really good at finding excuses not to do the things that truly matter.
I am coming to you today from Scott Reef, right in the middle of nowhere between Australia and Indonesia. To get here, you fly five hours from Sydney to Perth, another three hours up to Broome, and then board a boat for a 29-hour journey into the open ocean. Yesterday, we had a manta ray swim right past the boat, dolphins playing in the waves, and two whales gliding by. It’s wild, remote, and breathtaking.
Spearfishing has been one of my greatest passions since my early twenties. Yet, it took me nearly 40 years, and turning 57, to finally go on a trip like this two years ago.
I was always finding excuses. “I don’t have the time” was the biggest one, or “it’s too expensive,” until my beautiful wife, TK, simply offered this trip.
I see this with so many of the leaders I work with. They give everything to their work, whatever energy is left goes to their family, and there is almost nothing left for their health, let alone their deep personal passions. Those dreams get pushed right to the very back burner.
There’s a famous Chinese proverb: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” For me, the best time would have been 30 or 40 years ago, but I’m so glad I’m finally doing it today.
My entire logic around time has completely shifted. It’s no longer “I can’t do it.” It is “I can’t afford NOT to do it.” When we look back on our lives, missing out on the things we are deeply passionate about—whether it’s travel, hobbies, or quality time with loved ones—will be our biggest regrets.
When coaching leaders on productivity, the biggest lesson is that you simply cannot do everything. True performance and happiness aren’t about cramming more into your day; it’s about choosing the few things that genuinely matter and being ruthless with the rest. That’s the exact heart of my book, Less Achieves More.
Yesterday on the reef was absolute madness. I dived down 20 metres and shot a dogtooth tuna, but by the time I surfaced, 15 sharks appeared out of nowhere in a feeding frenzy. It is an unbelievable environment, and I’m so grateful to TK for pushing me to experience it. In fact, she’s already told me to book it again for next year, and this time, I won’t hesitate!
So my question to you is: what is one passion you’ve been putting on the back burner that you can no longer afford to delay?
This is this week’s Work Smarter, Live Better tip.
You have a lovely day.
À bientôt,
Cyril
