Life Lessons from 60 Orbits around the Sun
Today, as I celebrate my 60th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the experiences and life lessons that have shaped my journey thus far. It feels like just yesterday I was a young man and now, here I am, embarking on my 61st orbit around the sun.
Reflecting on the past, particularly the fun memories of my teenage years, college days, dating Jane, and the birth of Abigail, fill me with gratitude. The passage of time brings to mind my late father’s 60th birthday celebration, a milestone that once seemed so distant, is now my reality!
The passing of my father over three years ago serves as a poignant reminder of how fleeting life is, especially in the wake of Covid and all the lives it cut short. With our daughter now married, I find myself looking forward to the future with hope, eagerly anticipating grandchildren and more fun adventures with Jane.
To celebrate this significant occasion, I’m sharing seven life lessons that have helped me enjoy a fulfilling life, one that I consider successful and happy. I hope they inspire you to find greater success and happiness in your own journey.
- Love Unconditionally: My relationship with God and the unconditional love I’ve experienced, and strive to give, have been my anchor. This divine love has taught me to accept myself, embracing my strengths and weaknesses with grace.
- Serve Others: Placing others before myself, especially my family, has brought me immeasurable joy. Learning how to love and serve beyond my immediate circle has also enriched my life with purpose and happiness.
- Choose Positivity: Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s resilience, I’ve learned the power of focusing on the positive in people and situations. This mindset has transformed my interactions with others, and led to many unlikely relationships.
- Pursue Your Passion: My diverse interests, from bodybuilding to marathoning to martial arts, have taught me the value of loving what you do. This passion has made every effort enjoyable, turning goals into the energy to pursue things I cherished with even more intensity.
- Consistency Over Time: Embracing the principle that success is a marathon, not a sprint, I’ve seen how consistent effort over time can lead to remarkable achievements. This long-term perspective has been crucial in both my personal and professional growth.
- Work Diligently: Hard work is indispensable. Whether in the gym, at the dojo, or in my endeavors with Influence PEOPLE, I’ve learned that there’s no substitute for giving your all to every task. As my old high school football coach used to say, “If you don’t have time to do it right, where are you going to find the time to do it over?”
- Be Kind to Yourself: Finally, I’ve learned the importance of self-compassion. Acknowledging my limitations and celebrating my achievements without dwelling on my mistakes has been liberating.
As I embrace this milestone, looking back with satisfaction and forward with anticipation, I’m reminded of what an incredible journey life is. My heart is filled with gratitude for the lessons learned, the love shared, and the blessings received. Here’s to embracing the future with an open heart and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
As I share these reflections, I hope they resonate with you and perhaps inspiration as you pursue your own path to happiness and success. Here’s to many more years of growth, love, and meaningful influence.
Edited with ChatGPT
Brian Ahearn
Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE and a faculty member at the Cialdini Institute. An author, TEDx presenter, international speaker, coach, and consultant, Brian helps clients apply influence in everyday situations to boost results.
As one of only a dozen Cialdini Method Certified Trainers in the world, Brian was personally trained and endorsed by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., the most cited living social psychologist on the science of ethical influence.
Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the 100 Best Influence Books of All Time by Book Authority. Persuasive Selling for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents was an Amazon new release bestseller. His latest book, The Influencer, is a business parable designed to teach you how to use influence in everyday situations.
Brian’s LinkedIn courses on persuasive selling and coaching have been viewed by over 700,000 people around the world and his TEDx Talk on pre-suasion has more than a million views!
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