I am celebrating my birthday this week

I am celebrating my birthday this week.

A friend asked how old I was turning.

I had to pause.

After quick math, I landed at 43.

While the number sounds old, I can’t say that I feel 43.

What is a 43-year-old even supposed to feel like anyway?

When I speak with friends my age, most give the impression they feel older than I feel.

Good genes or luck may play a role for me, but I have also been intentional.

Several years ago, I set a lifelong goal to live happy and healthy to 100.

To reach the goal, I researched centenarians.

Were there factors I could control to better position myself to reach 100?

I found similarities.

Centenarians…

Seek information and keep learning.

Have a purpose and believe they need to be here to help others.

Build and maintain quality social bonds.

Are spiritual and optimistic.

Eat healthy foods and are physically active.

I categorized this information and created 5 pillars to living to 100.

1. Intellectual Curiosity

2. Service

3. Social

4. Spiritual

5. Health & Fitness

Every year I set short-term goals for each pillar.

I believe growth in each will compound and help me reach my lifelong goal of living to 100.

However, these pillars also help me live happy and healthy today.

Maybe that’s why I don’t feel 43?

Many of us are long-term planning for our businesses and clients because the new year is approaching.

But are you long-term planning for yourself?