You Never Know When You’re Changing a Life

“Where are you from?”

Four simple words. A casual question to a stranger in a foreign country. But sometimes, simple words are the spark that ignites something far greater.

It was a warm December afternoon in Turks and Caicos. My family had just landed, eager for some sun and relaxation. As we stepped onto the shuttle bus, uncertain of its destination, I struck up a conversation with a couple heading to a different hotel. In seconds, we clicked. In minutes, we laughed. And by the time we pulled up to our resort, I did what I often do—I reached into my bag, pulled out a copy of The Life Is Too Short Guy, signed it, and handed it to Chris.

I had no idea that moment would echo back to me more than six months later in the form of this email:

I hope this message finds you well.

You may remember meeting me and my wife on a shuttle in Turks and Caicos this past winter, your family and ours were headed to different resorts, and we got to talking. That brief conversation, and your mention of The Life Is Too Short Guy, stuck with me more than I could have anticipated at the time.

Since that chance encounter, I’ve read your book slowly over the past four months, sometimes in the quiet moments between MBA classes, sometimes late at night after internship days, and often when I just needed to reset. What amazed me was how frequently your stories and principles spoke directly to what I was struggling with in that moment; career uncertainty, identity shifts, and the ongoing search for meaning and direction in a phase of life that’s been both exciting and disorienting.

There was something almost uncanny about the timing. Each time I picked the book back up, it felt like I was getting exactly the message I needed, whether it was a mindset reframe, a story that resonated, or a nudge to take a small action that made a big difference.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about the serendipity of how we met. Our flight had been delayed due to a fluke maintenance issue, and we ended up landing in Turks and Caicos a full day later than planned. If not for that, we wouldn’t have shared that shuttle and I might never have discovered your work. And now, here I am, months later, having finished the book with a very different mindset than when I started. After a couple of intense semesters, multiple internships, and a lot of personal growth, I find myself more grounded, more intentional, and honestly, more grateful.

Your book was a part of that evolution. The action steps I took while reading often aligned with important personal and professional milestones. Your message helped re-center me when I was caught in the “shoulds” and stress of early MBA life, and it reminded me of the kind of person, and life, I actually want to build.

Thank you for sharing your story, your wisdom, and your energy. And thank you, especially, for being generous with your time on a random shuttle ride that ended up meaning a lot more than either of us probably expected.

Wishing you continued impact and inspiration on your journey. You’re certainly leaving a positive mark on mine.

One of the core principles of The Life Is Too Short Guy is Can’t Make It Alone—a reminder that we are shaped, supported, and lifted by the people we meet, even in fleeting moments. We each have the opportunity to inspire, motivate, and uplift others.

This was that moment.

A small conversation. A delayed flight. A book in a backpack. A life shifted.

This is why I do what I do.

To connect. To share. To remind others that joy, meaning, and growth can come from the most unexpected places—even a shuttle bus in Turks and Caicos.

Say hello to a stranger. Share your story. You never know when you’ll change a life. Or when one will change yours.

The LITSG Happiness Tour Continues

⏳ What if every minute of your life was a gold coin?

That’s the idea I shared on the Business Unchained Podcast —and honestly, it’s how I try to live every single day.

✅ Live with urgency
✅ Lead with optimism
✅ Be grateful, always
✅ And make every day the BEST day ever

💛 Because life is too short to coast.

Regards,
Scott
The Life Is Too Short Guy