A Person Of Significance

For those who read my blog or have received an email from me, you know that since  November 2017 my tag line has been "Finishing Well." I use that tag line because of a man I never met. A guy who wrote a book  in the 1990's called "Half-Time." Bob Buford was an inspiration to many and his book sold millions. I was one of those who found my self stuck in the Half-Time of my life and was looking for answers to a lot of questions during  my late 40's and found profound inspiration as Bob described his own reflection in the business world. 

Mentored by Peter Drucker, this extremely successful business person determined that he wanted to go from success to significance.  He wanted to go from making money to making a difference. He began his journey by re-evaluating his life and where he wanted it to go in the future i.e., what he wanted his 2nd half of life to look like. He spent time asking basic questions which most of us miss. Simple but deep questions like,  "What do I want to be to my family? What do I want to be to my wife? What do I want to be in the industry I work in? What do I want to be in my community? What do I want to be to my God?" From those reflective questions he began charting the course of the life he envisioned it could be.

 He encouraged business people chasing life in a fast paced world to go on a personal retreat away from computers, cell phones and the busyness of life to come to grips with these important questions. I actually did that. It was one of the most meaningful "retreats" in my professional life.

Using Peter Druckers "Ten Priciples of Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life" published by Bob, I began my own journey. I would encourage you to do your own research to the following list. 

1. Find out who you are.

2. Reposition yourself for full effectiveness and fulfillment.

3. Find your existential core.

4. Make your life your endgame.

5. Planning doesn't work.

6. Know your values.

7. Define what finishing well means to you.

8. Know the difference between harvesting and planting.

9. Good intentions aren't enough; define the result you want.

10. Recognize the downside to "no longer learning, no longer growing."

As Bob became older he could see life after the traditional retirement age and he wrote another book entitled "Finishing Well." In this book he interviewed 60 people of influence and the life they lived well past the 65 year old threshold. Again, Bob's writings impacted my thinking as I considered again the words of Drucker.

“I see more and more people who make it to their mid-forties or beyond, and they’ve been very successful,” Drucker said. “They’ve done very well in their work and career, but in my experience, they end up in one of three groups.

 One group will retire; they usually don’t live very long. 

The second group keeps on doing what they’ve been doing, but they’re losing their enthusiasm, feeling less alive. (This is where I was in November 2017)

The third group keeps doing what they’ve been doing, but they’re looking for ways to make a contribution. They feel they’ve been given a lot and they’re looking for a chance to give back. They’re not satisfied with just writing checks; they want to be involved, to help other people in a more positive way.” And they’re the ones, Drucker said, who finish well.

Bob Buford himself said “As for me, I have decided that just about all that will be left of me when I leave this earth is what I can let go of to invest in the lives of others. The fruit of my life and my work will grow on other people’s trees.”

 I'm not now, nor will I ever be a Peter Drucker or Bob Buford. I will not impact millions as they have. But, I have taken their inspirational ideas.... made them my own and applied the concepts to my own life. In addition I have taken inventory of the gifts, talents and resources I have and determined I will dedicate my life to the same purpose. To finish well for the time God grants me here on this earth. To serve others and to bring Glory to God. I want to Finish Well. 

I encourage you to buy the books by Buford and Drucker. Consider your Half-Time position or your later season of life.

Bob Buford died just a few days ago, April 18, 2018 at the age of 78. He left a lasting legacy. He Finished Well.