Leadership is often measured in KPIs, strategy sessions, and the endless pursuit of progress. We’re driven by outcomes, by what’s next, and by the responsibility of leading others forward. But in that relentless motion, it’s easy to lose sight of the moments—the seemingly ordinary instances that, years from now, will define the stories of our lives.

This past week, while teaching in Iowa, I closed out my course with a quote that struck a chord with the group:

"I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them." — Andy Bernard, The Office

Leadership isn’t just about vision and results. It’s about presence—the ability to recognize significance in the now.

One of my students, a man in his 30s, shared that he believed his “good old days” were behind him, that his current position wasn’t part of them. For a brief moment, his words sat heavy with me. But then, I reminded him of a simple truth: his future self, 20 or 30 years from now, might just disagree with him.

How often do we, as leaders, move so fast that we fail to appreciate the people, conversations, and fleeting moments that make up our journey?

We spend years focused on climbing, achieving, and executing, only to one day look back and wish we had savored it all just a little bit more.

The key to excellence in leadership isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s about understanding that today is shaping the memories of tomorrow. The relationships we build, the challenges we face, and the lessons we learn are all part of a greater story—one we won’t recognize as the “good old days” until time grants us perspective.

So, the challenge for us is simple:

Be present.

Recognize the moments happening now.

Engage with the people around us—not just as colleagues or employees, but as people whose stories will one day intertwine with our own.

Because one day, we’ll wish we could go back. And when that day comes, let’s ensure we’ve lived fully enough to appreciate the moments we have today.