I turned 60 this past year. It was hard to stomach when it happened. I still feel a little nauseous writing about it now. But I look at it this way. There is 60, and then there is 60. What do I mean by that?
There are those my age who are on a race to get out. Out of their job and retire. Away from the burden of job responsibilities and towards the freedom to do whatever they wish when they wake up in the morning.
Then there are those who are in a race to give back. Do something at a higher level with greater impact. We’ve learned a lot. We’ve seen and experience so much. We understand how to make businesses better, communities stronger, and the world at large more evolved. We have tremendous superpowers and we don’t want the kryptonite of age to slow us down.
My father - John Brooks Walton, AIA - started writing books in his 70’s, and published over a dozen in so many years. He stopped practicing architecture in his eighties when his hand became too shaky to draw a straight line. He picked up a paint brush instead and those squiggly lines became magic on canvas.
Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright didn’t start a career until she was in her 50’s. I suppose I have a leg up on her today. But I better get cracking to keep up with her from here on out.
When I wrote my new book “Work Is Art” I smashed in everything I have learned in my sixty years on earth. How to make organizations stronger. How to create more cohesive teams. How to deliver business brilliance. It is creative, innovative, inspired and beautifully designed.
I am in a race to make organizations stronger by bringing people together to accomplish extraordinary things. The time is right. Team’s need this more than ever. The 'Great Resignation' proves this to be the case.
As for turning 60 - I feel like I am only getting started. Watch out Madeline…here I come!
(P.S. attached photo is of my dad, age 82 - RIP)
link to get my book, Work Is Art. https://lnkd.in/dzx7TN8h