How will you behave as an "elder"?

Those of us 50 and over have a big job ahead of us!  What might that be, you're thinking?  I have my hands full now!  Well, believe it or not, how we "grow up"--how we behave and what we do as we age--will have a HUGE impact on the world.

You may have heard some recent AARP advertisements that show several 50+ individuals talking about, "When I grow up, I want to ________."  At 2Young2Retire-MN/Start Your Best Life Now, we truly believe that you ARE never done growing.  No matter what your age, you still have many opportunities to accomplish goals, see dreams come true and do things you haven't been able to do in your younger years.  We most certainly are not ending our contributions to the world.  We are just beginning!

In, Age Wave:  How the Most Important Trend of Our Time Will Change Our Future, Ken Dychtwald writes, "How we decide to behave as elders will be the most important challenge we face." At this stage of our lives, many individuals decide to be the change they want to see in the world!  With that attitude, we will face the world with our heads held high.  We will respond to whatever calls to us; we will live life passionately, do the things we love and set the bar high!  We will be an unprecedented force for the good!

We hear more and more stories about "seniors" around the country--and around the world--making their mark, making a difference and doing good in the world! Social entreneurship is flourishing for fifty- and sixty-somethings. 

So, where do you start?  Here are a couple of ideas of ways to start small and begin to get comfortable with the idea that YOU can do incredible things--and that you can make a difference:

   --  Each and every day (starting today) do ONE random, unsolicited act of generosity or kindness.  It can be something as simple as going to a Nursing Home to volunteer as a reader for an hour or so.  Remember how good that makes you feel after you see how it makes others feel. 
   *  Think about how good you felt at a time when someone did something selfless that made a difference in your life. 

   --  Imagine that you want to start, or just contribute to, a charity, but you have no money to give.  What can you contribute that is uniquely yours?  What skills or abilities do you have?  How can you make a difference with your time or talents?

   --  Describe your ideal world to a grandchild--or even a friend.  Then, think about what you--or the two of you--can do to take a step, even a small step, toward achieving that vision.  Make a plan and follow through.

Have a great day--and beyond--taking thefirst steps to doing incredible things!

Linda


If you want to learn more about "how to start your best life now," or need some help setting your goals, beginning your plans and taking the first steps to accomplishing your dreams, contact me at 612-209-1775 or drop me a note at lindam@2YOUNG2RETIRE-MN.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!