Jim Donovan, the Ageless Boomer

Many years ago, a friend of mind defined purpose as “a reason to expend energy.” Purpose gives us a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It keeps us going in the face of adversity. It gives us the inner strength we need to overcome any obstacle. If your purpose or goal is strong enough, you will find a way. Our goals help us to answer the question, “Why am I doing this”?

Richard Bach, while best known for his classic book, Johnathan Livington Seagull, wrote another book Illusions, which is my personal favorite. It is the story of a bi-plane pilot who, in his travels, meets a master teacher. In one chapter he writes, “Here’s a test to find out whether your mission on earth is finished; if you’re alive, it isn’t.”

When I first read that statement, I was in my twenties and thought it quite profound. Now, years later, it holds even more meaning for me and, hopefully, for you. Since you’re reading this book, I can safely assume you are still among the living. In this case, you are not yet done your work here. The simple fact that you are here is proof that there is something else you have left to do, learn or become.

Too many people see retirement as the end of their purpose in life. If you still have a pulse, you can do anything you want. Now, let’s get about the business of finding out what that might be.