So, about me?
Talking about myself is quite a broad topic, but it all crystallised on my 50th birthday when I woke up with a newfound clarity—I finally had a life plan!
This realisation was both a shock and a wake-up call. A few years ago, a friend asked me, “What’s your life plan and your goals for the future?” At the time, I had no answer and hurriedly brushed it off, saying, “What about me? No idea, but I have a meeting soon, must go!”
Retirement planning wasn’t even on my radar.
We all know the importance of planning our lives. Creating a life plan with SMART goals and organising it in a folder labelled “My Life Plan” is something we rarely do but should. It’s akin to making an end-of-life plan—necessary but often avoided due to our reluctance to confront our own mortality.
During my 49th year, I quit smoking (more about that in a later blog). Meanwhile, my dad suffered a massive stroke, leading to vascular dementia, and my mum finally lost her battle with cancer. On top of that, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and liver issues. Amidst all this, I was struggling to stay sane while juggling a high-pressure corporate job. It was definitely time for a plan!
So, what’s the plan? You ask.
Although living in Plymouth is great, moving to the Philippines to retire is the end goal! Set up a business in the Philippines with my partner, build a house and retire happy while I am still young enough to do it.
Our time is limited.
So don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
Don’t be trapped by dogma.
Which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.
– Steve Jobs
My Priorities
My priority is to get the consultancy running as well as this blog. I also want to help people become better leaders and managers along the way. Not because I consider myself a great leader or manager far from it. But I think using previous experiences, especially the bad ones I can help people avoid the same.
In determining your own life plan and priorities make them achievable. Throw in some quick wins also to cheer yourself up. Make them achievable to ensure you don’t give up.
I hope you join us on this journey and let us know what your thoughts are. Subscribe to the site and follow us in life.
One journey to experience is the North Coast 500, see our journey on it in 2024.
Also join us on Facebook and see the occasional video on my youtube channel page.
God bless and stay Safe
Darren