A few days ago, a friend and I shared a goodbye martini. He lives in my building and is heading to Los Angeles for a new job. A baby boomer like me, he is leaving sales to return to a job he has always loved: managing a large health club. It will be his final gig. Change triggers reflection, and here are three of thoughts.
- Find a bigger purpose to life. Twenty years ago, his goal was to sell as many club memberships as possible. No more. Now, his goal is to make as many people fit as possible. Do that, he says, and the rest will take care of itself.
- Many of us will live a long time. People remember how you treated them. They ultimately figure out if you are putting them second and yourself first. I like questions and translate his thought this way: Ask yourself whether the main reason you are doing something is because it helps others or because it helps yourself. If you live long enough, you will see the same people or run into their friends. What memory do you want them to have of you?
- Live for the best return on investment, not the greatest return on investment. Following Nos. 1 and 2 does not mean you will make the most money. You likely will make less. But, as I mentioned when we were on our second martinis, the only sure reward in life is a clear conscience (that’s President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address).
It struck me that my friend is grateful for the chance to finish his work life finally knowing what, to him, is important. All the rest is gravy. I know he'll be having a great Thanksgiving. I hope you do. too.
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