Last updated September 21, 2026
After working professionally non-stop and without any significant time off (beyond a weeklong vacation) for over 45 years, I stepped away from my current role to ask “what really matters?” As a multi-passionate who loves startups, technology, marketing, messaging, strategy and host of other things, it became clear to me, that for the time I’m blessed to remain on the planet, there will only be a few dozen more Christmases, family birthdays, wedding anniversaries and trips around the sun.
If I want the rest of my years, to truly be the best of my years, It’s time to identify, and focus on the essential few things, that will create the most joy, impact and meaning in my life.
When you get to 62, it becomes hard to think about “long-term plans.” More likely, you think about how you cram as much life into as little time as possible, as you start to feel your body ache, recovery take longer, and the “common risks” start to show up in the lives of your peer group.
The trick then, is to, without any limiting belief, design a life you love, that ticks all the boxes:
Staying Healthy is the number one goal. The say that when your healthy, you have 1,000 dreams, but when you’re not, you have only one. At 62, I see the wisdom in this parable, and wish it was shared with me when I was in my 20s, when I set into motion many of the processes that will determine my rate of aging.
Years ago, I was introduced to the term “Integrator” - the label they give the person who can take a visionary’s big idea, make it real, and get it done. Most visionary’s are great at seeing something from nothing - but would struggle to actually “create” it without someone to create the order, structure and detail that allows a “technician” to execute a plan that delivers a result.
Because I’m “adaptive” I’m equally comfortable in the integrator role as I am a visionary. That’s a problem if you don’t set good boundaries, or don’t have a clear goal.
That’s why for this “Last quarter” of my life, I’m writing the script, reviewing the plot, and making sure it fits the criteria above. Time’s running out. Intention is the key.