50 Not Out

50 Not Out …..

It’s my 50th birthday, I can’t believe it, FIFTY !

Man that’s a mile stone.

When I was in my teens/early 20s I’d couldn’t even comprehend reaching a half century. That was for “old people”, well look at me now, I’m an “old person”.

That inner teenager is still alive and kicking in me, I still have a zest for life, a thirst for knowledge and a determination to better myself every, single day.

For those that know me, I mean really know my story, they’ll tell you my path has been arduous, an uphill struggle and one where I’ve faced many challenges along the way. It certainly hasn’t been plain sailing.

Every wrinkle on my face, every grey on hair in my beard tells a story, through losing loved ones from an early age, to scaling magnificent heights in the business community. It may not seem it sometimes, but I’m truly grateful, and feel fortunate for ALL the experiences I’ve had over the years. It’s made me who I am today, and I’m truly proud of myself, and my crows’ feet !

So what wisdom of these wrinkles can I share with you as I reach my 50th birthday.

Well, I’ve compiled this list below, which are my life lessons and business observations. They are deep, shallow, thoughtful, funny, and a bit controversial. But you know what, I’ve gotten to the point now, where I actually don’t five flying F*** anymore.

This is me, raw and honest, if you don’t like it, then quite frankly I don’t really give a monkeys, I’m not forcing you to read it !

So here goes – (in no particular order, expect number 1 and 50)

1. If you still have your parents, cherish every moment with them.

2. You’ll lose loved ones along the way, it’s inevitable.

3. Your true friends, will always take the piss, and you’ll always pick up from where you left off.

4. The business world is full of bullshitters.

5. The stark reality is, success in the real world of work and business is measured by others, according to how big your bank balance is.

6. Smile and the world smiles back

7. Frown and the world thinks you’re an asshole

8. If you’re a good talker, you’re 3/4 of the way there.

9. If you’re a good talker, and technically competent, you’ll crack it, if you execute.

10. Give and the heart opens.

11. Kindness is totally gangster.

12. Backing down isn’t losing, it’s the art of nobility.

13. Class is permanent form temporary.

14. I know I’ve lost deals in business, because of the colour of my skin, but I can’t prove it.

15. Your ego is a destructive force, it comes from a place of insecurity.

16. You can’t beat the sound of leather on willow – owzat !

17. Tunes, sneakers and watches make everything Okay.

18. The most certain thing about life his death, the most uncertain thing, is time of death.

19. The moment your first child comes into the world, you automatically start dad dancing.

20. To take the heat out of a situation, create space and distance.

21. Pepsi Max tastes better than Coke Zero.

22. Happy people get up, and get out early.

23. Running has changed my life, if everyone ran it would solve the worlds problems (thanks for this one Rav Billan)

24. 50 is not the new 40. 50 is 50, fuck off !

25. When I ride my bike, I feel like I’m 14 again.

26. A cuppa of Yorkshire Tea, first thing, is sublime.

27. The sun gives you happy bones.

28. Never trust a broke sales trainer.

29. Sucking balls is for ass kissers.

30. Keep your gob shut - that’s how you build trust.

31. In my head most of the people I went to school with, look older and more knackered than me.

32. A business persons mood is directly reflective by his/hers cashflow.

33. I’m a multi award winner myself - I hate the term “multi-award winner”.

34. The Beatles are overrated.

35. Always sweat the small details, that way you’ll have a polished, high quality product.

36. You don’t find leadership, it finds you.

37. Now that I can afford the shit I couldn’t when I was younger, it’s called a “mid life crisis”. By my own reckoning I’ve been having a “mid life crisis” since I was 21 years old.

38. Embrace your inner asshole - we all wish sometimes “those people” that trigger us, would be tortured and die horribly.

39. I’m trying not to be an asshole, and I’m making a better job of it than you.

40. The more success you achieve the more haters you accumulate.

41. Moving age boxes on an application form comes with a slight sense of anxiety.... “shit I’ve moved boxes I’m no longer ticking the age box between 40-49”. Soon I'll run out of boxes.

42. I’m not paranoid, but do I think people are talking about me, honest.

43. Every time I sit down, get up, take something from the cupboard or such like, I’m oblivious to the old man sounds that emanate from my mouth. I now make the same sounds my father used to, when using the bathroom.

44. Lying on the couch, playing with your knackers never leaves you.

45. Never open up your suit jacket pockets, this is reserved for morons.

46. Always carry a spare, ironed shirt in the boot of your car.

47. The first thing I do when I meet someone new is to check out their shoes - “nice wheels”

48. No matter how shit it gets, there is always someone worse off than you.

49. We all deserve a standing ovation, at least once in our lives.

50. To him we belong, and to him we shall return.

So there you have it, although when compiling this list, I had many more Qasologies, in fact 90 on them. I figured, I'll hold some back, until I'm 60, God willing.

#bebraveboldempathetic