But 2020 is no more meaningful a date than 2019. For some, the year they turn 59 represents much more personal significance than simply reaching 60. Retiring after 29 years of service is not any less remarkable than retiring one year later.
Time plays tricks on our sense of satisfaction. We focus on reaching a particular date rather than how well we are investing and valuing our time. It’s how the years slip by and satisfaction wanes.
We take a different approach to the valuing of money. We focus less on the round numbers and more on the return we receive on what we’ve invested. We value our money over time. But the secret is to also value our time over time.
What if we knew the personal and societal costs of delaying a next work or life step while waiting to hit arbitrary milestone dates? What if in our 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond we create new balanced portfolios that re-value work and life to intentionally plan for stability while continually stretching and growing?
Lisa Taylor is a speaker, consultant and author of “The Talent Revolution: Longevity and the Future of Work.” She is a guest faculty member teaching an MEA workshop with the title of this guest post April 19-26.