58 Years Strong: Celebrating the Wisdom Gained Along the Way

Birthday Special - Issue #143

As I celebrated with my loved ones my 58th birthday on 23^rd July,  I can't help but reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point. The years have been filled with triumphs and challenges, moments of joy and heartbreak, and a wealth of lessons that have shaped the person I am today.

➶➶ The Perils of Arrogance

When I look back on my life, I can see how easy it is to become complacent and arrogant in the face of success.

In my younger days, I often felt a sense of invincibility, believing that I had everything figured out. But as I've grown older, I've come to understand the importance of humility. Success can be fleeting, and the stakes only get higher as we climb the ladder of achievement. It's during these times that our ability to listen, learn, and adapt becomes crucial. I've learned that it's not about planning every step of the way, but rather being open to the unexpected and embracing the journey as it unfolds.

• Don’t craft a story out of past events. Writing own success story leads to arrogance. Personal gratification is harmful. It will negatively impact your future. When you are successful, everyone is gunning for you. You can’t afford ego when you are at top. This is when stakes are the highest. This is when your ability to listen, to learn, to improve, to grow, matter more than ever.

• When you achieve success, don’t behave as if you planned it that way. Always remember – you were there when it happened.

➶➶ Running Your Own Race

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of focusing on my own path, rather than constantly comparing myself to others. It's so easy to get caught up in the race of life, trying to prove ourselves to people we don't even respect. But in the end, that's a waste of our precious time and energy. My goal has always been to accomplish the most that I'm capable of, no more and no less.

• It's not about being better than the next person or having more than others; it's about staying true to my own dreams and aspirations.

➶➶ The Importance of Family

As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the immense value of family more than ever before. During the darkest moments of my life, it was my family who stood by my side, offering unwavering love and support. Even when we've had our differences and disagreements, I know that these are the people who truly care about me. My parents, wife, children, sister in particular, have sacrificed so much for me, and I'm forever grateful for their unconditional love and guidance.

• As I enter this new chapter of my life, I'm committed to being there for my family, just as they've been there for me.

➶➶ Health and Fitness

One of the biggest regrets I have is not prioritising my health and fitness earlier in life. It's so easy to get caught up in the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities, that we often neglect our own well-being. But I've learned that our health is our most valuable asset, not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones as well. As I approach my 59th year, I'm making a concerted effort to take better care of myself, to engage in regular physical activity, and to make time for the things that bring me joy and fulfilment.

• Always take out some Me time. It is important to retreat and remind yourself – Life can be simple.

➶➶ Friends are precious

Friendships have always been a source of joy and support in my life, but I've also learned that they can be fragile and unpredictable. Over the years, I've experienced the heartbreak of losing friends, and the joy of reconnecting with those I thought were lost forever. But through it all, I've come to appreciate the true value of friendship – the laughter, the comfort, the shared experiences that make life so much richer. As I look to the future, I'm committed to nurturing these precious relationships, to being a better friend, and to embracing the uncertainty of life with open arms.

• Friendship is either there or not. It’s impossible to predict which friend will be with you and who will move on. Friends for life are rare. If you are lucky to have someone just hold on to them. If you get 2-3 of them, you are amongst the lucky few.

➶➶ Managing Yourself

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of my life has been the art of managing myself. It's so easy to fall into the trap of negativity and hatred, but I've learned that these emotions only weigh us down and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Instead, I've focused on staying positive, on being productive, and on continuously learning and growing. It's a never-ending journey, but one that I'm committed to embracing with humility and grace.

• As you grow up you will realise that even the one person who wasn’t supposed to let you down, probably will. You will have your heart broken and you will break others. You will fight with your best friend and you will cry.

• Take as many pictures as you can. Laugh too much, forgive freely. Life comes with no guarantees. Rarely a second chance. Live life to the fullest with whatever resources you have.

• Tell people you want to what they mean to you. Comfort a friend. Hold someone’s hand. Be a flirt and smile until your face hurts.

Here's to the next chapter, and to the many more lessons that await ~

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In case you missed previous issue on the importance of stepping back to make progress, here is the gist in a nutshell:

1. Definition and Purpose:

   • A debrief is a post-event review to analyze outcomes and extract insights, similar to a post-game review.

2. Benefits of Debriefing:

   • Improved Performance: Enhances skills and results.

   • Faster Learning: Quickly extracts lessons from experiences.

   • Enhanced Relationships: Shows commitment to improvement and openness to feedback.

   • Increased Confidence: Builds confidence by recognizing growth areas.

3. Effective Debriefing Practices:

   • Timeliness: Debrief within 24 hours.

   • Key Questions: Reflect on agenda coverage, timing, successes, challenges, and feedback.

   • Documentation: Take notes to capture insights.

   • Action Items: Identify specific actions for improvement.

   • Collaboration: Share insights with colleagues or clients.

4. Practical Applications:

   • Client Meetings: Reflect on interactions and communication.

   • Mentoring Sessions: Tailor approaches based on feedback.

   • Project Milestones: Celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and improve processes.

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See you on the thirty first Sunday of 2024. Take care!