--- title: Your Big Decisions May Require The Rocking Chair Test description: Imagine you’re in your 90s, sitting in a rocking chair on a porch contemplating your life. What are the things you wish you had done? image: https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hubfs/Rocking%20Chair%20Test.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/your-big-decisions-require-the-rocking-chair-test#maincontent) [ «  View All Posts ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog) # Your Big Decisions May Require The Rocking Chair Test December 22nd, 2021 1 min read By [David Meerman Scott](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/author/david-meerman-scott) ![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rocking%20Chair%20Test.jpg?width=1970&height=1289&name=Rocking%20Chair%20Test.jpg) As we move from 2021 into 2022, many people are contemplating a life change or a major business project. Perhaps you are considering a career transition such as going freelance or starting your own company. Maybe you’re weighing a personal decision such as moving from the city to the countryside. Or you might be considering [writing a book](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/top-ten-tips-for-writing-a-business-book) or starting a podcast. The “Rocking Chair Test” is a simple way to weigh those big decisions. *Imagine you’re in your 90s, sitting in a rocking chair on a porch contemplating your life. What are the things you’re glad you did? What are the things you wish you had done?* Many people who use the Rocking Chair Test are motivated to consider a major decision in a different way. Sure, it’s a lot of work to write a book. You’re busy! But imagine yourself in your 90s in that rocking chair. Would you regret taking the time to write and publish that book? Or would you regret not writing it? For many of us, a new year brings new projects. Perhaps this is the time to take on the challenge you’ve been thinking about. Your future self in your rocking chair will be glad you did!   ## **Perhaps I can help, meet with me one-on-one ** Much of my own Rocking Chair Test centers on how many people I’ve been able to help in my life. I feel fulfilled when my ideas and advice help people to accomplish their goals. With the surge of the COVID omicron variant, I’ve had to cancel upcoming travel plans and find myself with availability to help a few people on a one-to-one basis in the coming few weeks. I’m offering the ability for you to connect with me to discuss anything that’s on your mind. With [Project Live Fanocracy](https://www.livefanocracy.com), you can sign up for a 20-minute Chat or Brainstorm, a 1-hour practical Strategic Advice session, or I can Meet with Your Team virtually for an hour. There is a nominal fee for these Zoom sessions. All the funds I collect from these virtual meetings (after I cover my out-of-pocket costs) will be donated to [Boston Medical Center Coronavirus Relief Fund](https://www.bmc.org/covid19relief) to provide immediate and substantial impact at BMC. [Book your meeting with me here](https://www.livefanocracy.com) Instead of worrying about the future, let’s look at how to position for a fulfilling life when we look back on it in our rocking chair many years from now. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/413105/b93c8aca-0743-44ba-8640-9f1a7378f3df.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/413105/b93c8aca-0743-44ba-8640-9f1a7378f3df) [ David Meerman Scott ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/author/david-meerman-scott) David Meerman Scott is a business growth strategist, advisor to clever entrepreneurs who are building emerging companies, and the international bestselling author of a dozen books published in 30 languages. David’s high-energy keynote presentations, masterclasses, and virtual events educate, energize, and inspire. Connect: [mailto:david@freshspot.com](mailto:david@freshspot.com) Topics: [ Personal branding ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/topic/personal-branding) [ Marketing ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/topic/marketing) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/L1330663-2.jpg?width=1500&height=967&name=L1330663-2.jpg) ### I’m a Senior Citizen Now—Try Catching Me March 25th, 2026|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/im-a-senior-citizen-now-try-catching-me) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DMS%20casual.jpg?width=3000&height=2001&name=DMS%20casual.jpg) ### My New Website, New Focus, and New Photos January 20th, 2026|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/my-new-website-new-focus-and-new-photos) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kenyon%20students.jpg?width=2086&height=1394&name=Kenyon%20students.jpg) ### The Future-Proof Value of a Liberal Arts Education in the Age of AI August 19th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/the-future-proof-value-of-a-liberal-arts-education-in-the-age-of-ai) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flax%20Dental.jpg?width=1540&height=1058&name=Flax%20Dental.jpg) ### The Simple Professional Services Website Makeover That Creates Fans August 11th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/the-professional-services-website-makeover-that-creates-fans) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Creating%20a%20Personal%20Website%20for%20Success.jpg?width=1536&height=1024&name=Creating%20a%20Personal%20Website%20for%20Success.jpg) ### Your Future: AI Models Will Find You Via Your Personal Website July 18th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/your-future-ai-models-will-find-you-via-your-personal-website) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DMS%20Banner%20Option%202%20-%20LinkedIn%20_%20Facebook%20Sizing.png?width=1200&height=627&name=DMS%20Banner%20Option%202%20-%20LinkedIn%20_%20Facebook%20Sizing.png) ### How to Write and Publish a Book that Supercharges Your Personal Brand July 2nd, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/how-to-write-and-publish-a-book-that-supercharges-your-personal-brand) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stefano%20Paciotti.jpg?width=1500&height=1084&name=Stefano%20Paciotti.jpg) ### The Ham Whisperer of Rome: How Stefano’s Honest Videos Won the World’s Heart June 24th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/the-ham-whisperer-of-rome-how-stefanos-honest-videos-won-the-worlds-heart) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tufts%20Entrepreneurial%20Marketing.jpg?width=1500&height=1000&name=Tufts%20Entrepreneurial%20Marketing.jpg) ### My Best Advice for New University Graduates: Do These Two Things April 7th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/my-best-advice-for-new-university-graduates-do-these-two-things) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Television.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=Television.jpg) ### Your Daily Schedule Determines What You Will Accomplish February 19th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/your-daily-schedule-determines-what-you-will-accomplish) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DMS%20at%20HBS.jpg?width=1239&height=843&name=DMS%20at%20HBS.jpg) ### Sneaking In Via Life’s Side Doors January 14th, 2025|1 min read ](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/blog/sneaking-in-via-lifes-side-doors) [![](https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vermont%20wilderness%20pond.jpg?width=1500&height=1125&name=Vermont%20wilderness%20pond.jpg) ### Artistic Craft or AI Dreck in 2025? 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