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In his latest reflection, Bob Knakal explores the meaning of time, perspective, and legacy as he remembers September 11, 2001. While acknowledging the tragedy and the nearly 3,000 lives lost, Knakal uses the occasion to reflect on the extraordinary privilege represented by every ordinary day we are given.
With more than four decades in commercial real estate, Knakal connects his professional experience with a broader perspective on life, emphasizing that success should not be measured solely by revenue, transactions, or professional accomplishments. The ultimate scorecard, he argues, is how we use our limited time, the people we help, the relationships we build, and the positive impact we leave behind.
Human life represents only a tiny fraction of the Earth's history. Recognizing how limited our time is should encourage us to make the most of the opportunity we have been given.
The anniversary of September 11 provides a powerful reminder of life's fragility and the importance of appreciating the people and opportunities we have today.
Knakal continues to pursue professional excellence while recognizing that ambition should extend beyond financial and career success to every dimension of life.
Revenue, transactions, productivity, and sales volume are important measurements, but they are not the only measures of a successful life. Character, relationships, mentorship, contribution, and personal fulfillment matter as well.
Rather than continually waiting for “someday,” Knakal encourages readers to act on the things that matter now, whether that means pursuing an ambition, repairing a relationship, helping someone, or spending time with loved ones.
Legacy is not simply what people remember after we are gone. It is the impact we make on family, colleagues, clients, friends, mentees, and members of our communities while we are here.
Understanding that time is limited should create urgency without anxiety. It should encourage us to pursue excellence, embrace meaningful opportunities, prioritize relationships, and eliminate things that waste our time.
“What Will You Do With Your Turn?” challenges readers to think beyond the traditional definitions of success. Professional achievement remains important, but Knakal argues that the broader measure of a life is how effectively we use our talents, help others, build relationships, and contribute to the world around us.
According to Knakal:
“This is our turn. Let’s make it count.”
The message is both simple and powerful: none of us knows exactly how much time we have, but each of us has the opportunity to decide what we do with the time we have been given.
Knakal's reflection ultimately asks readers to reconsider their personal scorecard. Success is not simply about how much money we make, how many transactions we complete, or how far we advance professionally.
It is also about whether we maximize our potential, make others better, act with character, create meaningful memories, contribute to our communities, and enjoy the journey along the way.
September 11 reminds us that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Today is here. This moment is ours. This is our turn.
The article was inspired by reflection on September 11, 2001, and the reminder that life is finite and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
“Our turn” refers to the brief window of time each person has been given to live, create, contribute, build relationships, and make a positive impact.
Success extends beyond professional and financial achievement to include character, relationships, personal growth, mentorship, contribution, and the ability to positively influence others.
He views legacy as something created through the people we influence while we are alive, rather than simply something remembered after we are gone.
Time is limited, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and we should be intentional about how we use the opportunity we have today.
He encourages readers to pursue meaningful goals, prioritize relationships, help others, embrace opportunities, and make the most of the time they have been given.
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