I found myself on stage with some very bright people. I was respectful, but I had to say it:
“America is a ladder, and you can climb as high as you want.”
Then, someone on the panel responded:
“Well, it could be a ladder, but it could also be like a lattice – you go sideways.
”I sat there thinking, Who wants to go sideways?
Nobody I know wants to go sideways. That’s not my vision.
Now, I get it – there are different perspectives. If you’re a mom raising kids, that’s not going sideways. That’s the most noble, upward direction anyone can take.
But for me, right now?
I don’t aspire to relax and coast. That’s not in my plan. I’m still young – crazy, right? I’m 63, soon to be 64, and my plan is to keep moving forward. No sideways for me, not at this stage.
One of the other panelists was a VP of the Penske group.
I told him, his boss, Roger Penske, is a hero to me.
Mr. Penske is in his 80s, still working six or seven days a week. When I asked what he does to relax, the answer was NASCAR on a Saturday or Sunday – and that’s still work for him.
But isn’t that something?
When your idea of relaxation is also your vocation, you’re truly aligned.
That’s what I aspire to – working into my 80s, just like Mr. Penske, and enjoying every moment of it.
He’s done so well across so many industries, and I look up to people like that.
Account Manager at Herrmann Global
2moIt's been a great year!