A year after I sold my company, I wrote myself a note. Here it is:
Here’s the raw text if it’s easier to read:
The Second Half
My name is Jeff. I am 45 years old and have experienced and accomplished more than most.
I’ve been loved and hurt, admired and ignored, appreciated and shunned.
Yet, the most important thing I’ve learned is that the journey is greater than the mirage of a destination. Eternal optimism is the only emotion that matters.
I thrive on learning new things and challenging myself and those around me to be better, to do better, and to think bigger.
I’ve learned that it’s essential to surround myself with those who believe in me, pick me up when I’m down, and enjoy the journey as much as I do.
There is no starting and finishing line, only life and death. And until I am unable, I am not finished.
The second half of my life is now beginning. The next chapter starts now. I am in control. It’s time to have some fun.
—
My Priorities
- To be healthy and happy, both physically and emotionally. Without this, nothing else is possible.
- To put family first, friends and colleagues second, and everyone else third. Always.
- To surround myself with those who believe in me, pick me up when I’m down, and enjoy the journey as much as I do.
- To nurture my talents, passions, and interests.
- To reestablish my faith.
- To volunteer, donate, and give back in new ways.
- To travel, visit new places, and explore the world.
- To build another business, bigger than the last, and work with those who inspire me to do so.
I wrote this as a reminder to myself. I never thought that I’d share it with anyone, yet here we are.
(Still) my reminder
There’s a very real transition that happens when going from having something (a company in my case) to suddenly not having it (selling it).
I’m sure the same is true of retirement and all of life’s other unexpected twists and turns. These events force us to think differently. They literally change our lives.
Sometimes for the better. Sometimes not. Either way, change is hard.
For me, so much of my purpose, passion, and identity was sold along with my company.
My brain didn’t know what to focus on. All of the usual business challenges and rewards were replaced with a cold emptiness. I wasn’t expecting this.
Who am I now? What do I do next? Where did my mojo go?
Looking back, this simple note was my reminder to get back to basics. To find my North Star. To keep building.
And it’s funny. I still find myself reading it way more than I ever thought I would.
Some chapters of my life have been written, but the book is far from finished.
I’ll try to remember that.
