If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I’d like to do…
The old Jim Croce song comes to mind. I recently read an interesting article on Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir’s advice about longevity and time. in it he says “If you enjoy what you do and others find it valuable, I see no reason why you would want to retire. Sadly there is a limit to how long you will be physically able to keep enjoying the benefits of a career that makes you and your stakeholders happy. But there are things you can do to extend a productive career.” The two qualifiers in his logic hit me. Enjoy what you do, and others find it valuable. I believe this simple statement holds a lot of wisdom in it, and somehow I also believe that these are connected. To be successful in anything relationships, business ventures, even as a volunteer you have to bring value and if you are, I believe, you’ll also feel more fulfilled and therefore get more enjoyment out of whatever it is you’re doing. Bob goes on to talk about 3 lessons.
Overcome your fears
Bob spoke of fear and the imposter syndrome. This is a fear we all have to some degree. The way he manages it was interesting. He imagines himself embodying characters whose stories he feels compelled to tell the audience. As he said, “I give my body to those characters so that they can tell their stories. The more I give myself to them, the less I’m there to experience the stage fright, and it goes away.” The more he gives himself to them is again very key. Do what you do, give, and focus on bringing value to your intended recipient.
Keep you mind sharp and body fit and tackling new challenges
A lot can be learned from the principal of Ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your ‘reason for being. ‘ ‘Iki’ in Japanese means ‘life,’ and ‘gai’ describes value or worth. Your ikigai is your life purpose or your bliss. It’s what brings you joy and inspires you to get out of bed every day. The book referred to above speaks to longevity in keeping a good diet, continuing to move by walking, stretching and moving your arms over your head, ongoing learning, and have a social group, or tribe you interact with. Thinking about turning a page when the value you bring or the joy seems to dwindle from the current one is the universe’s way of opening doors for growth. Recognize it, embrace it and walk through it. See these changes as the gift for growth that they are.
The late President John F. Kennedy 3 weeks before he was assassinated in Dallas was asked whether he liked being president, JFK responded, “I’ve given before the Greek’s definition of happiness — the use of your powers along the lines of excellence. I’ve found that therefore the presidency provides some happiness.”
We all have gifts and powers we’ve been given to share with the world. Understanding what they are, and then striving toward magnifying them is the key.