Discovering Joy, Gratitude, And The Power Of Living Fully
Scott White shares his philosophy on happiness, the importance of time, and his mission to inspire others to live fully.
In an era where the pursuit of happiness can often seem elusive, Scott White emerges as a beacon of positivity and inspiration. Known as the “Life Is Too Short Guy,” Scott has transformed his life from a decade spent in the bustling corridors of Wall Street to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the driving force behind a public real estate company. His infectious energy and unwavering commitment to cultivating joy and gratitude define not only his personal philosophy but also his professional ethos.
In this interview, Scott shares profound insights into his journey and the core principles of his philosophy, which aims to inspire others to live fully and embrace the present moment. From completing marathons and an Ironman triathlon to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises positivity, Scott embodies the belief that life is precious and should be celebrated. Join us as we delve into his experiences, motivations, and the transformative power of happiness, one smile at a time.
What inspired you to develop the “Life Is Too Short Guy” philosophy, and how has it influenced your personal and professional life?
The Life Is Too Short Guy (LITSG) philosophy was born out of a simple but powerful realization: life is short, unpredictable, and precious. I’ve always been a high-energy, positive person, but over the years, I became more intentional about embracing every moment with gratitude, enthusiasm, and passion. This mindset was reinforced by personal experiences—losing loved ones too soon, witnessing others postpone happiness, and recognizing that the most successful and fulfilled people I knew prioritized joy, relationships, and mindset over material achievements.
This philosophy has shaped every aspect of my life. Personally, it’s a daily reminder to say “yes” to experiences, be present with my family and friends, and appreciate the little things. It’s why I never hesitate to book that trip, take on new challenges, or simply pause to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Professionally, it’s become my guiding principle as a leader, author, and speaker. As a CEO I foster a culture where optimism, gratitude, and personal fulfillment are valued as much as business success. In my writing and speaking, I share actionable strategies to help others adopt this mindset, transforming their workplaces and lives. My mission is simple: to make the world happier, one smile at a time.
In your book, “The Life Is Too Short Guy: Strategies to Make Every Day the Best Day Ever,” you outline ten core principles. Could you share how these principles have impacted your daily routine?
The ten core principles in The Life Is Too Short Guy are more than just concepts—they’re habits that I live by every day. These principles remind me to be intentional about happiness, gratitude, and making the most of every moment.
One of the most impactful principles is Minutes Matter. I start each day with a deep appreciation for the time I have and make conscious choices to use it wisely. Whether it’s prioritizing meaningful conversations, avoiding unnecessary negativity, or diving into projects that energize me, I refuse to waste time on things that don’t add value to my life.
Live Today… Don’t Wait for Tomorrow is a principle I practice by saying “yes” more often—to adventures, opportunities, and even small moments of joy. Whether it’s planning a spontaneous trip with my family, making time for a friend, or tackling an exciting new project, I remind myself that the perfect time to act is now.
In my daily routine, these principles shape how I lead, work, and interact with others. They remind me to embrace gratitude, focus on positivity, and create experiences that make every day the best day ever.
As someone who has led companies as Chairman and CEO, how do you incorporate the “Life Is Too Short Guy” philosophy into your leadership style and company culture?
The Life Is Too Short Guy philosophy is at the core of how I lead and build company culture. I believe that a positive, engaged, and fulfilled team is the foundation of any successful business. Throughout my career, I’ve been intentional about creating environments where people feel valued, energized, and connected to a greater purpose.
When I led a public company, we were recognized every year as a Best Place to Work. This was the result of a deliberate focus on culture, rooted in the same principles I share in my book. One of those principles, Choose Your Attitude and Own It shaped how I approached leadership. I encouraged optimism, solutions-oriented thinking, and a sense of purpose in the workplace.
Another principle, Can’t Make It Alone, reinforced the importance of teamwork and relationships. I’ve always believed that business success is about people—supporting them, challenging them, and ensuring they feel part of something bigger than just a job. I made it a priority to know my employees beyond their job titles, celebrate their milestones, and create opportunities for collaboration.
At every company I’ve led, my goal has been to build a culture where people are excited to come to work, feel inspired to do their best, and leave at the end of the day feeling fulfilled—not just in their careers but in their lives.
Could you discuss a pivotal moment in your life that significantly shaped your perspective on happiness and living fully?
My LITSG philosophy didn’t emerge from a single life-altering event. It evolved over time, shaped by many experiences that reinforced the same powerful lesson: life is finite, unpredictable, and too precious to be taken for granted.
One of the earliest pivotal moments was when my father had a heart attack when I was just 10 years old. At that young age, I was confronted with the reality that life doesn’t last forever. Thankfully, he survived, but the experience planted a seed in my mind that life is fragile, and we can’t take time for granted.
Later in life, the passing of both of my parents reinforced this lesson in an even deeper way. Losing them brought a profound awareness of how short our time truly is and how important it is to focus on what really matters: relationships, experiences, and making every day count.
One other defining moment came on September 11, 2001. I was in New York City, just a few blocks from the World Trade Center, when I watched the second plane strike the building and then witnessed both towers collapse. That day was a stark and devastating reminder that life can change in an instant. It made me reflect on how much time we waste stressing over the insignificant, delaying joy, and putting off the things that truly make life meaningful.
Each of these moments contributed to the mindset I live by today. They shaped my belief that happiness is a choice, that minutes matter, and that we should live today—not wait for tomorrow.
How do you balance your roles as an author, speaker, and business leader while staying true to the “Life Is Too Short Guy” philosophy?
Balancing multiple roles—author, speaker, business leader, and more—comes down to intentionality and alignment with my LITSG philosophy. Rather than seeing these roles as competing demands, I view them as interconnected aspects of my mission: to spread positivity, gratitude, and the mindset of making every day the best day ever.
One of the core LITSG principles, Minutes Matter, guides my approach to time management. I am deliberate about how I spend my time, focusing on high-impact activities and eliminating distractions.
Another key principle, Live Today… Don’t Wait for Tomorrow, keeps me from falling into the trap of “someday thinking.” Rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment to write, speak, or build new relationships, I act now. Whether it’s committing to a keynote opportunity, starting the next book, or taking on an exciting business challenge, I lean into action.
Ultimately, balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about aligning my time and energy with my core beliefs.
