I read a book a while back titled Halftime by Bob Buford. It spoke to me because at the time I was turning 50, and the book outlined the difference between the first half of our life versus the second half.
Now that I am further along in my second half, I find myself reading articles about how to stay vibrant physically and mentally. It’s been said that “health equals wealth” and my intention is to be on the journey with continued health as a focus.
Below are six habits that resonated with me from a recent article on this topic.
Mindset of Abundance
Worrying about money at any age is not fun. I sure don’t want to worry about it in my older years. The abundant mindset was a game changer for me, and it not only included financial, but also spiritual, work, and relationships. The way I practice this comes with making sure any business opportunity is sourced with the right resource. If a referral comes to me, but it’s not quite the right fit or maybe my bandwidth is such that I couldn’t meet the client needs properly, then I actively help them find the right resource. Even if that means referring them to a competitor. It’s the “pay it forward mentality” and the idea that there is an abundance of work out there for everyone, and what comes around goes around.
Take Care of Your Spirit
Do you ever feel not present, or your mind is racing all over the place? Or someone asks you a question, but you really didn’t hear it, and you must ask them to repeat it again? I have been working on a practice where I focus on my “active listening” skills and intentional mindful exercises to be present. It is not easy, but in today’s fast paced world, it is necessary. As I age, I am realizing that spiritual fitness is just as important as physical fitness.
Goals
I have generally had goals most of my life. Not always written down, but goals that helped me go to where I wanted to take my career. Eventually as I got older, I began to write down my goals and reviewing intermittently during the year. I have kept copies for the past 15 years and it’s amazing what I accomplished towards the life that I wanted to lead. The goals kept me focused, engaged, and motivated. Where I needed to pivot, I did. Some goals changed or were dropped, but I had a goal because I wanted to be “intentional” with my life and business.
Take Care Physically
When I was young, I took a lot for granted and didn’t feel that I would ever wear out. I pushed myself physically as an athlete. Well, I did better than some…my weight is still good, nutrition is on solid ground (except for the chocolate that I enjoy), and my strength is rebounding. Get a good night sleep. It is the most underrated aspect of recovery that is necessary for us to continue running the marathon of life.
Do Work You Enjoy
Enjoying what you do as a profession nourishes the body and your spirit. Long-term health and happiness are a function of a healthy and satisfied mind, and work that fulfills these attributes will give you inner satisfaction.
Choose Your Relationships Wisely
The emotions of others are contagious. Be mindful of who you hang out with because as Jim Rohn once said, “You are the 5 people you hang around the most with.” If you are not hanging around with people who you want to emulate, then time for a reset.
Cheers to your 2nd half!
Mike