54
22 days into my 54th year, and solidly into my mid 50’s, I’m mostly in good health and continue to learn entirely new things and struggle to apply what I know to mastery. Spending time where it matters most to me is increasingly critical as I realize that, even above average, I have a life expectency of about 25 more years.
I spent the majority of my time last year growing the strategy, staff and culture of an incredible medtech/specialty pharma company. I started a fledgling software group with a long term colleague and made some very initial progress on , yes, an old school blog at joesgarage. Last, I developed a vision for a management and software consulting group that actually partners with its clients’ transformation efforts. I learned more than I could have ever expected about raising government and venture funding, federal government contracting, the FDA process for drug development, global chem defense and providing support to war fighters in the field. In all that, I read more of establishing company valuations, funding options and stock options and spin offs than I had since practicing law.
In the negative column, I didn’t camp with my kids a single time for the first year since they were born, commuted more than 15,000 miles and 500 hours and lost focus on time with those that mean the most to me and slipped in my attention to mobility and wellness. That came firmly to light in July when I was downhill mountain biking with my sons and overshot a jump resulting in 3 rather broken ribs and something painfully wrong with my right thumb. Other than an incredible trip with my daughter to London, I had little time with my kids this last year.
My main goals this year involve the health and wellness of myself and my kids and the quality and honesty of my relationships. I’m beginning the path to reducing my commute to zero, to return to levels of fitness where I can climb in the 5.11 range indoors and lead 5.9 outside, backpack this summer with my kids and explore new countries. I also hope to make real progress on the craft and depth of my writing and storytelling. Last, I’m hoping to keep building and transforming businesses, and work globally as I have been exploring since I left my role leading CQG. When we come in contact this year, let’s live more simply, lead more effectively and improve the lives of those around us.