Starting Four Years Early

Who's Got Time To Do This?
Who's Got Time To Do This?

Last week I told an influential person where I’ve been working for the past 27 years that I’d like to begin the dialogue for retirement.

WHAT?

Exactly.

You know, to understand what my options are when I reach retirement age at 55.

It’s less than four years away.

This is exciting stuff…

Balance Wellness Blah Blah Blah

Keep Your Reputation Afloat
Keep Your Reputation Afloat

Our self-image, in many cases, is tied to our title at work.

Our title at work is tied to our reputation.

Our reputation is tied to our habits.

Our habits are tied to our insecurities.

Our insecurities are tied to our self-image.

Now that we’ve come full-circle, so what?

So, balance doesn’t do much for your reputation, unless you have people you love, who are more important than your career.

But that doesn’t do much for your reputation.

Best Time & Worst Time

Crazy If You Do, Crazy If You Don't
Crazy If You Do, Crazy If You Don't

There’s never been a better time to take risks.

In today’s economy, your very survival may push you to take risks you never dreamed of. Necessity is the mother of invention, right?

But.

There’s never been a worse time to take risks.

You mess up and guess what? You fall on someone’s radar. And the next time there’s a right-sizing initiative, guess who’s name is closer to the top?

How do you manage this paradox?

Make No Small Plans

Love And Be Loved (too lofty?)
Love And Be Loved (too lofty?)

Small plans are okay. As Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t do great things, do small things with great love.”

So then are big plans better?

Think back through your career. Where did you have the most success?  The most reward? The most passion? The most determination?

If your goal isn’t impossible, you’re not reaching high enough. You can quote me on that.