Nice Start,
Let's Get Going...
At the 2015 Global Leadership Summit, Jim Collins made the statement “Real creative impact accelerates, if you choose, after 50 years of age.” He went on to say that he had a friend who had a “nice start” birthday party at age 69.
I’ve noticed that many of my peers in their 50s and 60s start to talk a lot about the downside of aging. No doubt, a lot of it stinks. Today I turned 60 years old. Instead of being discouraged, I’ve resolved to build on Collin’s comments and want to think of this day with the mindset of “Nice Start, Let’s Get Going.”
Let me unpack that for a second.
Over the years I’ve learned a lot. I wish like crazy I could rewind the clock to my 20’s but with the insight, wisdom and knowledge I have now. It’s not that I look back with regrets. To the contrary, I am so grateful for all that life has brought and I look forward to what lies ahead. But knowing what I know now, and to be in my twenties with my whole life in front of me, wow… that would be incredible.
Reality check though says ”that ain’t happening.” So I do the next best thing. I look at today as an opportunity to view the past as that which has prepared me for the future. I’ve had a nice start. Now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get going. Let the real work begin.
Look at these words written by two Old Testament Kings. The first saw old age as a time when life was not pleasant anymore. In contrast, the second sees old age in a more positive light saying it is vital and green
“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” -- King Solomon
“Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.” -- King David
May my next 60 years (or whatever portion I have of that) be described as King David said -- vital, green and producing fruit.
I love the perspective of seeing this milestone of turning 60 as an opportunity to unleash some of that accelerating creativity. I hope to see this coming decade as one of great productivity and enjoyment. There is some freedom (and discounts) that comes with age. I don’t see it as the start of winding down but rather as a chance to gear up. I want to see if I can still run a mile in eight minutes. I’d love to launch a business. Take my wife to Alaska. Visit my daughter living overseas. Go backpacking more often. I’d love to design and build a house. Take each grandchild on an adventure. The list could go on and on.
Ultimately though what is most important is what King Solomon had as his youthful perspective. To honor my Creator all the days of my life.
On my birthday 60th,
September 29, 2016
Paul Konstanski
