I’m 65 Today — and I Have a Birthday Present for You

Today is my 65^th birthday. I was born on August 14, 1950 – that’s a long time ago. There are certain advantages to being 65. My health care costs have been lowered significantly as I’m now on Medicare. I get a free gym membership at 24 Hour Fitness. I get discounts at lots of restaurants and at the movies. All in all it’s pretty cool. Although I must admit that in mind I sometimes think that 65 year old people are old and decrepit, not young, vital and full of life like me – just kidding.

I have found that birthdays – especially milestone birthdays – are a good time for reflecting. And, the older you get the more there is for you to reflect on. So in today’s post, I want to offer my five best pieces of advice based on what I’ve learned in my 65 years.

• It’s all about people. Relationships are the most important thing in this world. They will help you land jobs. They will help you progress in your life and career. They will bring much joy and happiness into your life. They will help you get through the tough times. Work hard to build solid, long lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. You’ll be glad you did.
• Say yes. Someone asks for your help. Say yes. You are asked to take on a tough assignment. Say yes. You are asked to take a lateral move. Say yes. You are asked to take a leadership position with a non-profit organization. Say yes. Someone asks you to mentor him or her. Say yes. Yes is my default answer. 999 times out of 1,000 I say yes when asked to do something. Saying yes has made a huge difference in my life. I’ve met some great people. I’ve had some wonderful adventures. I’ve had a great career. All because I said yes. Say yes – you’ll be happy you did.
• Success is a journey – not a destination. Self-Actualization sits at the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs. Basically self-actualization means being all that you can be. It’s really an unreachable goal. I’ve found that when I’ve reached what I think is the pinnacle, there is always something else to learn, to do, to master. That’s why I say that success is a journey. There’s always something new to do, more to accomplish. Enjoy the ride!
• Be thankful for what you have. Too many people spend too much time wishing they had more – a better job, more money, a nicer car, a bigger house. I am thankful for what I have. Being thankful keeps me centered. It reminds me of how lucky I am. Take stock of your blessings. I bet you’ll find that you have a lot to be thankful for. And, having so much, take the time to help someone who has less than you.
• Don’t be afraid to fail. You are a failure only if you learn nothing from the experience. Treat very setback and failure as temporary – and as a learning experience. Remember, what happens to you isn’t all that important. How you react to what happens is what really counts. While other people and events have an impact on your life and career, they don’t shape it. You are the only who can do that. Be gritty. Learn from your setbacks. Become better because of them.

That’s what I’ve learned in my 65 years. Hope these lessons help you – no matter your age, or where you are in your life and career. You have my very best wishes for a lifetime of success and happiness. You deserve it.

Your career mentor,

Bud

PS: I write this blog to help people create the life and career success they want and deserve. Now I’m going one step further. I’ve created a membership site in which I’ve pulled together my best thoughts on success. And, as a reader of this blog, you can become a member for free. Just go to https://budbilanich.com/jointo claim your free membership. You’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of success minded professionals. I hope to see you there.