Here’s Why Grandpa Won’t Give Up the Car Keys

A few of the vocal politicians have compared trying to convince President Biden to step back with trying to get Grandpa to give up his car keys.

They don’t seem to realize that, even for Grandpa, it’s not about the car keys.

Asking anyone to give up something they have known and enjoyed for decades is like asking them to give up part of their identity.

A lifetime in a leadership position

Think about it.

Biden has been in an important position since he was 29 years old.

As an adult, he hasn’t known anything else.

The same thing that is happening to him often happens to anyone, male or female, who has enjoyed a successful leadership position.

Retiring can be emotionally difficult for many reasons such as:

• Fear of losing one’s identity
• Uncertainty about what lies ahead
• Angst about no longer being relevant

How would you feel?

Perhaps you have worked your way up to an important leadership position or seek to be in one.

Now imagine that after 30,40, or 50 years you had to stop what you’ve loved doing.

There’s a good chance you’d be reluctant to step out of the spotlight, especially if you aren’t sure what to do next.

Even if you wanted to retire, taking the big step would require a huge amount of preparation.

My brother, who was a very successful business owner, went to therapy for months to prepare for his retirement at 59.

He’s now 80, has never worked again, and has lived a very enjoyable and rewarding life.

Biden needs help, not being pushed

I wish everyone would stop telling him what he has to do.

Most leaders hate to be told what they should do.

Instead, show him how valuable he could be as an advisor. Let him see his possibilities as a retired statesman.

Bill Clinton has done it, so has Obama, and Henry Kissinger did it for many years.

So, treat Biden with the same kind of love you might with your grandpa, and stop thinking about what you might lose. There’s probably a lot to be gained.