Living Close to Death
So a week ago I was much closer to death then I realized. Walking around with a damaged heart, but going through the motions of life like it would just fix itself. Eat better, exercise more and it would all be ok.
But that’s not what the data said. My younger brother died eight months ago a heart attack at 44. But he was a heavy smoker and had some drug addiction and lifestyle challenges that further exacerbated his condition. Being very active and always on the go I have a lot more time.
The doctor asked if I have a family history of heart problems. Both my dad and his dad had open heart surgery in their 60s and reclaimed so of their youth after. So yeah it’s in my DNA to have heart problems, but I’m only 50 so I still got 15 years before I have to worry to much about that right?
It’s amazing how our minds creative narratives where we can ignore the data.
The fact I was walking around, living life one exertion away from likely death really did sink in. Until just now.
So what next?
I achieved a lot in life. Checked off a lot of boxes. Have positioned myself to keep enjoying that sweet spot in life so few of us ever allow ourselves to get into.
I’m not trying to come across as morbid, but I was at a point that if I had died, it would have been with few regrets.
So what next?
Everyone will say I have a lot to live for. There are many things I do want to experience. And of course I do care deeply about family and those closest to me. Just make some lifestyle changes and go on go have a long, productive rest of life.
But what does the data say?
And so my mind goes to search for numbers to crunch.
Daniel Meyer heads Sonic Analytics, an analytics firm with offices in Manila, the San Francisco Bay Area and as of February 2019, Ocala, FL. With over 20 years in Big Data, Dan is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Asia and offers big data coaching and analytics training seminars on both sides of the Pacific. Dan has also recently joined the Powerteam International family as a small business analytics resource speaker.
Sonic Analytics(www.sonicanalytics.com) brings big data analytics solutions like business intelligence, business dashboards and data storytelling to small and medium sized organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making capabilities. We also advocate the use of analytics for civic responsibility through training, consulting and education.
As citizens of this great democracy, we need to look at the data (analytics), plan a course of action (strategy) and share our data-driven viewpoints (presentation). This approach to a data savvy work force starts in school. So, we started an internship program to empower our youth to use Analytics, plan Strategy and Present their insights… ASP!
When not training current and future analysts, you can find Dan championing the use of analytics to empower data-driven citizenship by volunteering his expertise with schools and non-profits dedicated to evidence-based social progress like Saint Leo University’s Women in STEAM 2020 Conference.
