When I was in my mid 20’s I was in a locker room after an indoor workout. I was in there often and frequently with the same group of guys. They were ‘older than 60’. Nice group of about 7; I enjoyed them. One day they were speaking of trips they had taken recently.
The conversation when something like this:
We just returned from Yellowstone, it was beautiful. Had to get there we have 11.
We are going later this year, I have 7 left.
Yes, I have 12 left, we are planning to visit Washington next year.
I have been there, it is worth it, definitely visit _____ while you are there. We have 8 left and are going to Graceland.
You get the point. They were all talking about things they wanted to do (which mostly included travel, but the travel part is not the important part). What about the numbers they were throwing out there? I had to ask. The numbers were the number of years they personally had until they reached the average life expectancy age.
Wow. These guys are on track! Why you say? You think it is sad or morbid? I disagree. These men had one thing in common – they understood that life is finite and instead of being passive they were actively doing the things they wanted to do in life. They had no guarantee they would make it to ‘average life expectancy’. They might be gone tomorrow or live much longer. What they did know is that they wanted to be purposeful about living life. And – they helped hold each other accountable by talking about it. Healthy – talking about it in a healthy manner. The number was just a finite item that provided a reference point and motivation.
As you can tell, I never forgot. I am forever grateful these men had a healthy view of living and shared it with me.
What is your number? More importantly, what are you doing to ensure you are experiencing that which is important to you? Some might call it a ‘bucket list’. Some call it – 30 at 30 – meaning here are the 30 things I have wanted to do/see/be in life by the time they are 30. It does not have to be at the end of life. Input your age and items. The ‘system’ is irrelevant; the purposefulness is the important part. What system do you use to help yourself to be more purposeful about pursuing those things that are important to you?
We have but one life and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Tell me what you think … about the old guys, their system, your system, what you have done, what you are planning to do…
Brilliant!!
All good goals are smart. And the T is time bound.
I’ve got to quit farting around. My number is about 19.