Today I'm 63: Celebrating Another Trip Around the Sun
Michael Burcham
Trusted executive coach, advisor and thought leader on strategy, entrepreneurship and value creation.
Today, I woke up with the reality that I turn 63 today. The magic of today is that I woke up to great health, a wonderful family, work that I love, and an optimistic outlook on life. The past 2? years were? filled with significant medical issues, a sepsis diagnosis, and 3 different surgeries. Today is nothing but joy and gratitude.?
This year I have intentionally focused more on friends and family; the gift of time; and choosing to enjoy this incredible planet with more travel. I have let go of certain work endeavors I once thought defined me. I try to tell those special people in my life how much I love them - daily. And I’m more focused on doing the things that matter. I’m looking to leave this earth better for my having been here.
Now I begin another orbit - and I’m facing it with gratitude and a clear focus on what matters most. I’m planning to knock a few more things off my bucket list, to experience more of the world through travel, and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of family, friends and colleagues.
So here they are, Michael Burcham’s 63 life lessons... and more to come I hope.
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This year’s Addition: ?
- Life isn’t about finding yourself - life is about creating yourself.
My previous 62:
- Go for it - be bold and daring. None of us are getting out of here alive anyway.?
- If you want something permanent, get a tattoo.?
- If want to feel pretty, a quick trip to Walmart does the trick.
- Some of the most beautiful things have dents, scratches and scars - including people.
- The little things in life turn out to be the big things.
- Your kids aren’t you - they need to make their own path.
- Religion that requires belonging and believing what you are told isn’t transforming. It’s a cult.
- God has a great sense of humor - just look around.
- Gratitude multiplies happiness.
- Don’t be ashamed of yourself, that’s your parent’s job.
- Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
- Speak even if your voice shakes.
- Showing vulnerability is not weakness - it takes massive courage.
- There is no common ground in fiction - don’t even try.
- We are more defined by what comes out of our mouth than what goes in it.
- Before you climb the ladder of success, make sure it’s leaning against the right building.
- Infatuation is not love. Know the difference.
- You are in control of your own heaven or hell. They form in your mind.
- It’s better to master one thing than to be just average at many.
- Narcissists make really bad friends.
- Money and success doesn’t change people - it merely amplifies what is already there.
- You are stronger and more resilient than you think.
- Those who condemn you in the name of God wouldn’t recognize him if they met him.
- When you marry someone, you’re marrying the whole family.
- Live life looking forward, learn its lessons by looking backward.
- A meal is nicer with red wine.
- I’ve outgrown some friends. That’s totally ok.
- A person cannot drive you crazy if you don’t give them the keys.
- Revenge is best served cold.
- Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage.
- When a man tells you he got rich through hard work, ask him: “Whose?”
- We all need a few guilty pleasures.
- Being a grandparent is way better than being the parent.
- Turn your wounds into wisdom.
- A “food court” is not food.?
- A mind is like a parachute - it doesn’t work if it’s not open.
- You never really learn much from hearing yourself speak.
- To become old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
- “Move on” is great advice.
- A genuine smile can also be seen in the eyes.
- Buying stuff doesn’t make the emptiness go away.
- Saying thank you matters.
- What works for me might not be right for you. That’s OK.
- “What’s your story?” is more interesting than “What do you do?”
- Fulfillment is the measure of success. It’s never about the money.
- Box wine is a sacrilege - in fact it’s the 8th deadly sin.
- There’s no dress rehearsal in life - you get one shot. Make it count.
- After 30 - few people change their behavior.
- You will fail if you are brave enough.
- Trying to out run criticism is a full time job.
- People are rarely who we want them to be. That’s not their fault.
- Confidence is inspiring. Arrogance is offensive.?
- Grief is love with nowhere to go.
- The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
- An argumentative person is simply showing their lack of self confidence.
- Love heals - time doesn’t.
- Control is an illusion.
- What looks like luck is usually a lot of hard work.
- Make memories of moments. They sustain you after loss.
- The secret to success: Wake? up, Clean up, Dress up and Show up.
- If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
- I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life in three words - it goes on.
Time to buckle up and make another trip around the sun. Sending love…
Michael
Mission-driven, entrepreneurial leader who clears paths, cultivates relationships and aligns resources so that big ideas take root and grow.
2 个月Happy Birthday, Michael Burcham. I remember reading these lists over the years. For so many reasons, grief is love with nowhere to go has always stuck with me like no other.
VP Clinical Management at EquitasDx, LLC.
2 个月LOVE THIS!!!
President, Hospital Based Physician Services at HCA
2 个月Happy Birthday Michael - The "Gift of Time" reminds me of Dr. Anne Kirkpatrick and her comparison of our lives to a tapestry....enjoy adding more to your tapestry.
Happy birthday!
Business Development & Sales Executive: Driving Business Growth In the Healthcare Industry
2 个月Happy Birthday!