It was three years ago today, around 1 p.m. Arizona time, that the idea of Forward From 50 was born. So, I guess that means the platform has grown out of its “terrible twos” and can enter the realm of being a stubborn “threenager.”
The idea came out of the blue while talking with a trusted mentor, Vincent Pugliese, after I had been struggling to find purpose in my life. It was Vincent who suggested there were many seasoned citizens over 50 who were struggling with a sense of purpose.
Perhaps they felt pushed aside from jobs they loved, had their lives shaken by an unfortunate event, or simply wondered to themselves, “There has got to be more to life than what I’m living.” Without a purpose to renew their minds and spirits, they were dying a slow death by a million meaningless distractions.
In the past three years, I have learned a lot about purpose. For example, men who retire without a sense of purpose are often dead within three years. It’s biblical. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV)
In one of my favorite movies, Shawshank Redemption, the main character, Andy Dufresne, tells a fellow inmate, “It comes down to a simple choice; either get busy living, or get busy dying.” That’s a powerful message for every seasoned citizen to contemplate.
For Andy, the vision of getting out of prison and spending the rest of his life on the shores of the Pacific Ocean held great appeal. Many people dream of travel, but Andy’s vision extended beyond going to a nice place to relax. His vision had purpose.
Of course, Andy wanted to be on the perfect beach. But, he also wanted to do something, which was to find a beat up boat and make it like new. It would be an ideal hobby for a perfect place to live.
Still, Andy’s vision went even further. It sought to serve others. By fixing up his boat, Andy envisioned taking people charter fishing on the ocean.
I’m convinced a hobby isn’t strong enough to motivate people into long-term action. Hobbies are great for relaxation and distractions. However, a true sense of purpose must always involve serving others in some way.
For me, Forward From 50 came at just the right time. After my business was forced to close, I languished without purpose for several years. Trapped in a routine of boredom, I spent my days in trivial pursuits. Nothing meaningful was ever accomplished. I lacked a reason to get out of bed, and the energy to do anything worthwhile.
Forward From 50 changed my life. It introduced me to dozens of adventurous go-getters, or people with purpose, who were engaged in activities often vastly different from their original careers. They were trying new things and putting their natural talents, learned skills and unique life experiences to work making a difference in the lives of others.
By sharing their stories, it’s my hope that it inspires other seasoned citizens to realize as long as they have breath in their lungs, there is purpose to their lives. It doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing.
Simply investing your time to improve someone else’s situation is tremendously rewarding, even if you don’t get paid to do so. It’s what makes living fun, exciting and challenging.
One of my favorite podcasters, Nick Loper, the host of The Side Hustle Show, has a wise saying. He tells his listeners all the time that what you do from 9 to 5 makes you a living, but what you do from 5 to 9 gives you life. That can be applied to seasoned citizens, too.
What you did before turning 50 made a living, but what you do after that milestone birthday gives you a life.
So, as I blow out the candles on the cake to celebrate Forward From 50’s third birthday, my wish is that everyone reading this finds life brimming with purpose and abundance.
In John 10:10, Jesus noted that Satan “comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” They world repeatedly tells you that you’re too old and are no longer relevant. That is an outright lie.
If you need help getting on the road to renewed purpose, I’m happy to brainstorm some ideas with you, just as Vincent did with me three years ago today. Just drop me a line to get the ball rolling.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.