Finding 2020 Vision At 60

Your 60’s present a strange conundrum in the journey through life. For those venturing through the “back nine”, a new decade comes with mixed emotions. On one hand, if you have planned for retirement you may be a few years away and can’t wait to start that new chapter. On the other hand, with only 20 or so years left on this earth, you certainly don’t want to speed up the inevitable. Funny how living in the moment can be so elusive.

If you are like me, you find yourself reminiscing about the glory days while feeling that you still have much to offer professionally. Without sounding like a grandpa (which I will be later this year), I thought I would share my version of “If I Knew Then What I Know Now”.

Objects in the Mirror Are Further Than They Appear

Throughout my personal and professional life there have been times when my current situation or a key decision I was facing seemed like a life or death crossroad. Worst case scenario thinking took over and the pressure just seemed to mount. The reality is often very different from what you are imagining but you just can’t see it. During one of these times, a friend said to me “five years from now you will be laughing about this” and they were right. Time does have a way of healing and like investing, there is often time to recover from a bad decision. Believing in yourself and your purpose in life can be the catalyst for taking action. Even if the action does not turn out to be what you expected, it is often better than becoming paralyzed by doubt or fear.

It’s the People Stupid

As a consultant, I have been exposed to hundreds of organizations and countless individuals. It sounds strange but consulting work has a way of sheltering you from the people you are working with. Granted, some people that have crossed my path were better left in the shadows. But, as I look back, it was the people, not the actual work, that made a lasting impression on my life. Spreadsheets and PowerPoint decks can never provide the life enriching experience of connecting with a colleague. I was once counseled during a leadership development seminar to be less guarded and make myself more available to others. I now know how important these traits are to be a truly effective leader. The work will always be there, but relationships can be fleeting, so take the time to personally engage with others.

If Can, Can. If No Can, No Can

This Hawaiian pidgin saying may be obvious to the point of absurdity, but I believe it delivers an important lesson. At times in my career I have been tempted by the “Fake It Til You Make It” approach, but I would argue this can often be a deal with the devil that you do not want to make. While stretching yourself by taking on a challenging responsibility can lead to personal growth, I’ve learned to be honest about my limitations. Remember that once lost, your reputation is hard if not impossible to repair. Be true to yourself and your capabilities and over time you will grow into what you were meant to be and do. So much of win/win business occurs when trusting relationships are formed. If you can do something, then commit to doing it. If you cannot do something, then admit that and help to find another solution.

One final note. I recently had the opportunity to share some words of advice to my daughter and her new husband. You know, typical father of the bride stuff. I don’t think I could have pulled this off in my 40’s or 50’s but they say with age comes wisdom so here goes:

Believe in something greater than yourself

Give love unconditionally

Be thankful for all that you have rather than resentful for the things you do not have

Pursue the things in life that you are passionate about because they will bring you the most joy

Bring on the 20’s!