Hi

Last Friday I became 70 years of age. To most people I’m old, but apart from a few aches here and there I don’t feel it. I have several acquaintances who are older than me who I assume don’t feel old either.

But it has made me think about getting older. Ingrid Bergman said: “Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!"  

And that’s how it seems to me. The older I get, the clearer I can see the things that really matter from those of little consequence that I once thought were important.

So as a present to myself I thought I’d list some of the things that I’ve found to be important, several of which I learned the hard way:

1. All growth takes place outside of your comfort zone.
2. Only work for and with people you respect and want to become.
3. Never compromise on your values.
4. Create an environment in which your team can thrive and grow.
5. Look for ways to be of value to and help others.
6. The best investment you can make is in yourself: self educate.
7. Ask ‘How can I turn a problem into an opportunity?’
8. Never do anything, even a job, just for the money.
9. Don’t set a goal unless you have a system to achieve it.
10. Don’t follow the crowd: 80% of people are wrong most of the time.
11. Invest in mentors and a coach: surround yourself with successful people. 
12. If you are given an opportunity take it, you never know where it might lead.

I intend to add to my list during 2023. Please let me know if you have anything you have learned you’d be willing to share.

Happy new year

Noel Guilford

PS And get a chiropractor for your aches and pains; mine does wonders!