52 and so much more to do!

Happy New Year!

When my father passed away, I put together a video for his celebration of life service. The central part of the video was something that I found from my archives of family videos.

It was 1996 when I grabbed a camcorder, hit record, and asked my dad a bunch of questions that I hoped could help my 26 year-old me, glean from his life experience.

While I was editing the video, I had an incredible 'aha' moment when I realized that I was looking back at my father who was 52 years old at the time. It dawned on me that I was also 52 years old at the time of my father’s passing. ?So here was a 52 year-old son, taking instruction from his 52 year-old Dad, wow! ?My hairs still stand up every time I think about this!?

PLENTY AHEAD

What really stood out to me was how much he accomplished after 52.? He was involved in music at his church, he served as a chaplain in his community, he founded a ministry to help under privileged children in the Dominican Republic – he was active in all of these things up until his death at 78 years old.

My father’s example has energized and encouraged me think about and anticipate how much is still in front of me to accomplish.? And he is not alone.? There are plenty of other examples of significant achievements that people accomplished later in life.? Here are just a few:

Colonel Sanders was 65 years old when he started KFC.? Gladys Burrill set a Guinness world record as the oldest female to complete a marathon at the age of 92.? John Glenn went to space at age 77!

ONE AT A TIME

I am thrilled to release an album in my father’s honor on New Years Eve 2023 called, 52: Songs for my father. My father was a musician, and it was a fitting tribute to his memory. The Album is a culmination of a lot of hard work, creativity, and raw emotion poured into the greatest musical adventure I have had to date.

However, I never sought out to make an Album. There was no great plan that at the end of the year that I would release an 8-song record. I simply started with one song, and then went on to another song. My focus was simply to do something I loved – create music and make the best possible recording that I can create.

Is there something beyond your day job that you think about, dream about, but never seem to pursue?? Perhaps it seems too large, too time consuming??

Maybe you can break it down to something more manageable?? ?Perhaps one task, one conversation, one moment at a time?

THERE IS VALUE IN ALL OF YOU

It is very easy to get wrapped up in the fast-paced business world and neglect to do the things you love because you may not feel it is important enough.? But the reality is that we are not robots, the business world is a people world, and what people connect with most is the real you!? We thrive when we connect!

People are more healthy and interesting, when they seek out and develop hobbies, passions that do not involve spreadsheets, quotas and deadlines.? We need not compartmentalize our worlds.? The reality is that when I am in a sales meeting, I bring all of me to the meeting.

I enjoy hearing about how my customers and colleagues are doing in the things they are passionate about, and I have received plenty of encouragement and appreciation for my music projects over the years.

VENTURE OUT IN 2024

Pursuing something, anything – good, bad or mundane, at all cost – is not healthy for your body, soul, and spirit. ?Neglecting your family and close relationships will leave you empty and feeling guilty after the accomplishment(s).

Work and personal endeavors need not be mutually exclusive pursuits.? A fulfilled personal life makes for a healthy business life.?

So in 2024, let us take some time to celebrate our world inside and outside of work life. And then go for it!?

Step into new spaces, new horizons, new ventures!