There's nothing like a birthday ending in a zero to get you thinking about who you are and what you want to do with your future. My 40th birthday today is giving me cause to get up close and personal with who I am, what I've done in the past, what I'm doing now, and what I want to do from here (do these questions sound familiar to anyone?).
As it probably is for most people, my self-review is a mixed bag. I'm pleased with many parts, disappointed in others. Proud of a lot of what I've done, ashamed of bits and pieces. Overall I love what I see in myself, and at the same time I grapple with elements that don't fit who I want to be and what I value.
This blog, in many ways, is an outgrowth of the question, "Who do I want to be?" The "meaning" element especially reflects a voice in me that has been getting more and more insistent.
I always say, only half-jokingly, "I want to change the world, I just don't want to do all the work." An integral part of who I want to be is a catalyst for others who want to change the world - in whatever way feels personally meaningful and compelling to them, and on whatever scale fits their lives.
The dreamer and altruist in me is mind-bogglingly inspired by the potential we have to make a positive impact, simply by the choices we make, both in our careers and elsewhere in our lives.
The pragmatist in me loves the fact that altruism doesn't even need to enter into the picture (so if you happen to be a selfish curmudgeon, there's still hope!). It's actually in our own best interests to identify what kind of difference feels personally meaningful (as opposed to some random, generic picture of meaning) and weave it into our path. Because doing so incorporates another source of energy and inspiration into what we do. Working towards something we care about pulls us forward, even when we're having a crappy day.
Now that I'm done with the first 40 years, I'm looking at what I want out of the next 40.
On Friday, I interviewed Marshall Goldsmith (author of What Got You Here Won't Get You There) for an upcoming podcast for this blog. In the interview Marshall, who coaches people who are or could be CEO's of multi-billion dollar corporations, said something that stuck in my head. "Ask any CEO who is retired - and I've interviewed many - 'What are you proud of?' None of them ever talked about how big their office was. All they ever talked about was the people they helped."
And that's what I want out of my next 40 years. If I can look back at age 80 and see a legacy of energized, meaningful, thriving lives that made a positive impact on the world around them, I will be a happy, happy man.
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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Adrian McEwen | October 08, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Wish you a many many happy returns for the day.
Indeed Curt you have had a tremendous positive impact on many people including myself who follow your blog, thanks!
Posted by: Aarthi | October 08, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Curt - Happy birthday! Here's to at least 40 more.
As to your influence...well, let's just say you've definitely influenced me to pursue my passion, and not just live from place to live. Rather, you've reminded me to play FULL OUT, every day, in every way, and to be happy about it, in a passionate, purposeful way. For that, I will always be grateful!
Posted by: Phil Gerbyshak | October 08, 2007 at 04:42 PM
Here's wishing you a wonderful 40th birthyear Curt.
Blessings and all good wishes. :-)
Posted by: Nick Smith | October 09, 2007 at 06:35 AM
Happy 40th Curt! This is an excellent perspective to start the next 40+ years.
Posted by: Dwayne Melancon | October 09, 2007 at 06:41 AM
Thanks everyone! I had a great birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing what pithy nuggets of insight I'll have to share now that I'm older and wiser. ;-)
Posted by: Curt Rosengren | October 09, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Hello Curt-
Well you've got me by about 10 months (40 for me is next July) but I am also at that point of pondering, and yet excited about the next 40 as you say.
I work as a Career Advisor at a private 2 - year college and have been offering career advice here for 6 years.
I am creating a blog for the career changers at my school, most of whom are first time in the family college students. Your blog is certainly valuable for my students, and I look forward to gaining more insight and encouragement from your blog as the days/ months/ years go on.
Cheers, old man ;)
Alan E. Levinson
Posted by: Alan E. Levinson | October 09, 2007 at 08:01 PM
A belated Happy Birthday.
It sounds like you're on a fine direction to achieving just that with your blog
Posted by: Jill | December 12, 2007 at 10:42 PM