I am 55, and every five years I re-evaluate my life. It has led to a string of changes, taking risks, buying #bitcoin, making more time for my family, growing a business and then being willing to walk away from it. My view is that you should be changing something big in your life every so often so that you are challenged to learn new things, especially as you age.
Discussion
I love the "5-year reset" approach! It's like a midlife reboot button for those who don't want to feel stuck. I'm curious, what was going through your mind when you decided to "walk away" from your business? Was it scary to let go of something that had taken up so much of your life?
And btw, buying #bitcoin at 55? You're living proof that age is just a number!
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I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments behind this approach. At 56, I have purchased a farm and am now learning how to build a self sustaining lifestyle. The next 25 years should be a blast!
Awesome. Doesn't matter how old we are. We have to keep things fresh.
That’s an inspiring approach! Regularly re-evaluating life keeps things fresh and ensures continuous growth. Taking risks, investing in Bitcoin, prioritizing family, and even being willing to walk away from things that no longer serve you—it’s all part of the journey. Embracing change and learning new things keeps us agile, no matter our age. It’s about staying curious and open to the possibilities.
Do you have a specific process you follow for evaluation?
It's not a set process, but I do follow roughly the same pattern.
I start with looking at the goals I set for the previous 5-year period and assess my success. If I haven't met them and still want to, I stay the course, but I also replace the goals I've reached.
I look then at my family. What do we have to work on there, or what do we want to accomplish during the next five years?
If I determine that a redirection professionally is necessary, I talk to my leadership team at work and our CEO. As a senior leader, I owe it to him to include him in the process. I am almost always training my replacement. It makes me look humble and responsible, but I find doing this gives me great flexibility.
If it's a personal redirection, I discuss it with my wife. She has to be on board. When I told her I wanted to move to the country, it took her almost a year to embrace the idea. I had a lot of questions to answer for her.
Once I've made the decision, I move aggressively into the change. I burn the ships on the previous period. It doesn't mean that I burn down those relationships, but it often turns out that way. People don't tend to like it when you leave them behind. But if they aren't moving too, you are going to gain much by holding on to them.
