Don’t stand on the sidelines waiting for the clock to run down

Video commentary is HERE

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I was reading an interview fashion designer Tom Ford recently did after selling his business to Estee Lauder. In it he said something that resonated with me…”If there are things you want to accomplish, you have to be aware of the clock.”

I’m in my 60s, and if things go well, I have around 20 years of productivity left. My Dad was working on the third edition of his last textbook when he passed away at 89…so there’s no reason why we all can’t keep trucking along until the very end.

But the point that we have a finite amount of time, is worth remembering.

And it underscores the importance of not thinking about doing stuff, but actually getting your ass in gear and doing it.

One of the few emails I actually look forward to reading every morning is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pump Club. At first I thought it was just another exercise blog, but it’s actually a great blend of motivation, healthy living and (yes) exercise. It’s worth checking it out here.

For me, the most important message from Arnold’s newsletter, Tom Ford’s interview, and others, is the importance of just “getting out of bed and get going”.

Or as someone perceptively said, “I don’t want to be the guy just standing on the sidelines watching the clock run out.”

There are a lot of things I love about living in Pinehurst. However, one of the things I’ve struggled with is surrounding myself with people who are fully engaged and active (in more than just playing golf) as they get in their 60s and beyond.

I think what’s helped me not become a passive sideline person are two things.

First, I have a great partner. One enormously powerful lesson Marian has taught me is that if I think of doing something, to follow through immediately. For example, we’ll be walking and someone will come up in conversation who I haven’t connected with in a while. Marian urges me to right-then-and-now to pull out my phone and send a quick text to that person.

In the past it would be little more than a thought, that passes by without any action.

When you think of something-make sure you do it.

The second thing is what I read and watch.

I like reading interviews about people who have accomplished things-even if (for example in the cases of Arnold and Tom Ford) they are not connected at all to my type of business.

I find that inspiring. Especially when it’s the story of someone in their 70s or even 80s who’s still kicking ass. (You go-Harrison Ford).

The point is…and you’ve heard this before…there is never a shortage of excuses for not doing something. You can always come up with the reason why trying something won’t work.

But if you don’t try-you don’t know.

And even more importantly…you need to be aware of the clock.

It would be a real shame that when it runs down (and it will)…you’re still on the sideline.

Food for thought

Mar

PS: When I set out to develop my Whales Not Minnows Video Newsletter, my goal was to create something that was both educational and motivational. Why not check it out for 30 days for free, and see if I achieved my objective. If nothing else, it will help you get off the sideline and in the game of attracting more wealthy clients to your business. Learn more HERE.