What To Do In Your 40s
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This week, we’re talking about “What to do in your 40s.” The last two weeks have been about the 20s and 30s. We’ll finish up next week with the 50s. Thanks again for forwarding these emails around to those you know who are in these seasons of life. The stories I’m hearing are incredible. What to do in your 40s * Provide an Annual Financial Report for your family. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I write an annual update on our finances and give it to Wendy and her Dad. This includes an update on investments, account numbers and passwords, who to contact and suggestions on what to do with each investment. A mentor of mine said something that prompted me to start doing this in my 40s. “A wise and loving husband prepares his wife to be a widow.” Perhaps that sounds depressing, but it’s also very wise. * Continue to think of yourself as an athlete, and keep training. In my 40s, I heard a talk from a personal trainer who said most people who played sports stopped seeing themselves as athletes when their athletic careers stopped. He reminded us we’re still in the most important game of all — the game of life. You’re an athlete in this game. Keep training. It not only impacts you physically, it benefits you mentally, emotionally and spiritually. * Read the book of Proverbs. Regardless of what you think about the Bible, Proverbs is a treasure trove of wisdom. Once a year, I select a month and read one chapter of Proverbs a day. There are 31 chapters. January is the perfect month for this. Your 40s is a hinge-point in your life and leveraging the wisdom in Proverbs will provide priceless guidance for your second-half. * Read more, watch less. * Review your insurance policies annually. * Leave a paper trail. Write one handwritten note a week to each member of your family, thanking and encouraging them for being in your life. * Colonoscopy. This, and other assessments annually. * Consider a side hustle. This isn’t for everyone but a side hustle can often be a pathway to your future. Much of what I do now started as a side hustle in my 40s. I talk about this in-depth in “What to do Next.” * Establish a Healthy Morning Routine. A great day begins the night before. Instead of a scattered approach to the day, define a morning routine that sets you up for success. A podcast that might help with this is “The 5 am Miracle with Jeff Sanders.” * Increase the percentage of money that you are saving and giving away. If you’re at 10% for each, aim for 11%. Also, if you have kids and haven’t started a College Education Savings Plan, it’s better late than never. If you know someone who is in their 40s and needing some encouragement, consider gifting them: |
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It’s a great way to show you’re FOR them. I’ll see you next week for the conclusion of the series with “What to do in your 50s.” FOR You,
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