Being at the top can get addictive, but it will end. You can live in denial. Or start making a difference. What they say after you does not matter; all that you do when you can does.

Recently headlines across the world mourned the final passing of a football star. He had struggled before he became a star, dazzled in his prime and descended into chaos after the spotlight shifted.

Unlike in sports, those who suffer the same fate in the corporate arena are less known.

Does stardom become an addiction? To be successful, to be obeyed, to be worshipped and almost never to be questioned. Then, suddenly, a nobody.

Do you tell yourself you are immortal? Or do you use refocus on helping another do better in life, within and outside the office?

The corporate succession plan will be in place. What about your plan for the rest of your life? Too busy or do you prepare well in advance? From funds to an action plan, maybe to reawaken a dormant hobby.

What dazzled in your prime was a superior skill or a rare ability. Can you now nurture it by sharing? With the many who can never hope to be at the right place unless you give them a boost at the right time.

The end is inevitable. But you have a choice. Twinkle into oblivion or light a hundred lamps.

— From the MENTOR’S MUSINGS series  by Mohan G. Joshi —