6-Point Baby Boomer To Do List:
For Business Success

On this blog, I focus on the 55, or 65-and-over set who have not yet secured their futures, and who may be pretty insecure in the present. 

This is also for those who have completed one phase of their lives and are up for an encore. 

With economic unrest and through-the-roof inflation, wouldn’t it be great to have a real solution? 

You may think you don’t have what it takes to improve your situation, but I disagree. There are loads of opportunities you can still grasp…and prosper from. If you can think straight,  communicate well, and have a smartphone, you’ve got a lot left in you to give and to be paid for.

Minimum-wage fast-food jobs or being the greeter at Home Depot will not solve your dilemma. But Start-Over Success can. 

Remember, Colonel Sanders hit the road to sell his chicken recipe franchise across the country when he was 60. He got 1,000 Nos, but was determined to succeed so he continued. Now KFC is an iconic brand. 

What gifts have you got to share?  

1. Consider What You Want

Do you want to feel more secure financially? You’re not alone. The National Institute on Retirement Security reported that 40% of those over 65 rely exclusively on Social Security for income. 

The Baby Boomers are a large and diverse generation. They have a lot of experience to share and a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. But as time goes by, they may start to feel that settling for less is inevitable.

They may not be as active in pursuing their ambitions as they once were. With a drop in income, financial insecurity set in, and a lack of satisfaction and fulfillment.

It’s important for Baby Boomers to consider what they still want in life. If they want financial security, they can be proactive about earning more and spending wisely.

Seniors who want a more comfortable lifestyle can increase their earnings. When the bills are all paid, with plenty of food in the fridge, no question about affording co-pays, and money left over for investing – all of these paint a picture of security, comfort, and quality living. 

Let’s retire from giving up and settling. With Start-Over Success you live a more fulfilling life.

2. Mindset for Start-Over Success

There is no age limit for achieving success. In fact, many people over the age of 55, 65, and beyond can still achieve success if they believe in themselves and work smart. (Yes, at this stage in life, working hard may not make sense. But there are lots of tools these days for working smart.)

Consider these five keys for succeeding even when your age might slow you down:

1. Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do anything, and you will. Age shouldn’t be a factor when it comes to your self-confidence or motivation. Develop a strong sense of the potential you still have, you will be more likely to take on challenges and reach your goals.

2. Value your time. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because you’ve passed your prime you’ve got nothing to give. Start-Over Success takes time and effort, but it’s definitely achievable and it’s worth it. It’s like  George Bernard Shaw said, “Youth is wasted on the young.” With wisdom, as well as a lifetime of skills and experience, you’ve got what it takes to succeed.

3. Set modest goals. Success is not about achieving the impossible; it’s about reaching your goals incrementally and steadily. Don’t put pressure on yourself. Start small, work your way up, and stick with it, no matter what. You’ll be on your way to success in no time.

4. Stay positive. No one succeeds overnight without a positive mindset. Be patient with yourself and remain steadfast in your pursuit of success no matter what obstacles come your way. Remember: with a positive attitude, anything is possible.

3. Vision & Creativity: Better Than Cash

Your vision for your best life is something that you nurture and grow. The best way to do this is to not settle. When you settle, you don’t see what’s possible. Right now we are all surrounded by unprecedented opportunities.

Without a clear vision, you make plans. Hey, it’s great to “live in the moment” if you’re safe and secure.  It takes action plans to turn each moment into a bountiful future. When you see your goals unfolding with your action, you see that you achieve your goals.

You need to see opportunities. Opportunities require resources to bring them to fruition. You may think you don’t have the knowledge, materials, or money to put plans into action. Plato called it, “Necessity is the Mother of Invention.” That is the mantra of Start-Over Success. I’m reminded of what Tony Robbins says, “I you can, then you must.”

If you don’t see the truth about opportunities that surround you and find creative ways to capture your piece of the trillions of dollars in the marketplace, you’re going to be stuck. And that’s not going to help you achieve your dreams. You need to be creative. You need to think outside of the box. And you need to take action in order to reach your goals.

So don’t settle. See opportunities, use your creativity, set your plans in motion, and reach your dreams.

4. When Time Is Not On Your Side

People who are in the spring or summer season of life have time on their side. You don’t. Accept that and move on.

When time is not on your side, you simply must make the most of what you have. The good news is you have years of experience and skill, along with contacts that will help you win. 

Focusing on what you can do is crucial. Set a “no complaints” policy with yourself. Negative thinking and words can bring you down. And nobody else wants to hear .complaints. But everyone loves a “Comeback Kid” or a “Start-Over Story.”

Setting goals will help you set priorities, and help you make the most of the time (and energy) you do have.

Set action plans for reaching your objectives and set expectations for yourself so that you stay on track. Be disciplined with your time and set boundaries with others so they don’t pull you off track. 

Unfortunately, Boomers don’t have time to recover from mistakes. (No pressure there.) But, you’ve learned from past mistakes and follow the Russian proverb, “Measure twice, cut once.” You have the wisdom to make good choices, and that’s all you need. 

When you make time to move forward, work with what you’ve got (which is a lot), achieve your goals, and fulfill your purpose, you’ll be more secure, productive and happy

5. How to Use Tools & Tech to Live Smarter & Better

Do you feel like you’re constantly working harder than you need to? Maybe you are.

When I had health issues that left me with little energy, I examined everything I do to find ways to do it more quickly and easily. I was unsteady on my feet, so standing at the kitchen counter cutting vegetables was no longer fun for me. Enter the chopper! (I’ll resist the temptation to tell how I adjusted how I work in the kitchen so I could still have great meals and fun preparing them.)

My point in even mentioning my off-topic cooking is: With tools and technology we can do more, more quickly, and more effectively. Doesn’t that sound like a good plan as we build our Start-Over Success plans? 

Luckily, there are a few tools, software, and apps out there that can help you work smarter, not harder.

With the pandemic, everyone became familiar with Zoom for classes and work meetings. People used Facetime more than ever to stay in touch with family and friends Grammarly is another favorite of mine and thousands of other people who like help with spelling, grammar, and more. (In other articles, I’ll list specific tools and tech for business situations. Many of them are free forever or budget-friendly.)

In 2009 Apple started using the phrase, “There’s an app for that” in its marketing. It’s even more true now; we can get a lot more done with less, including with less energy. 

6. How to Improve Your Energy Level

Baby Boomers may experience lower energy levels. If we just allow that to happen, our possibilities for economic growth – and our quality of life – diminish. 

Consider these X tips for increasing your energy and your ability to accomplish.

  1. Exercise. Exercise is one of the key ways to increase energy. A study published in the “Journal of Experimental Biology” found that rats that exercised were able to better handle the sugar in their blood. Jane Fonda has said for years that exercise not only releases endorphins, which make you feel good, but it also increases your brainpower and can help you to focus.

    You don’t have to go to the gym to get exercise either. There are exercise routines online for you to do in your living room, or taking brisk walks, swimming, or biking can help.

    While there are many convenient options for exercising, don’t wait for the mood to strike you; it probably won’t. Hey, Nike became famous for the call to “Just Do It!” Because that’s what we must do; do it, whether we feel like it or not.

    It can help to work out with a friend, to report your activity to an accountability partner, or to record your steps on your smartphone.

    Make it a habit, don’t think about whether you’ll exercise today, but when you’ll pull your workout shoes on.  

  2. Positive Affirmations. Using positive affirmations can help relieve stress and anxiety. For example, you could do as Louise Hay recommended and say to yourself “I am capable.” or “I am powerful.” These words will help you feel more confident and empowered.

     

    Bob Proctor focused on using positive thinking and action for achievement. Financial anxiety can be fought with plans to build your income. Proctor said, “If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.” 

    The Little Engine That Could, written by Arnold Munk, was on to something, “I think I can, I think I can…” Next thing you know you’re up the hill. Feeling more confident and capable can increase your motivation and energy to take action. 

  3. Quality Sleep. Sleep is very important. Not getting enough sleep can lead to fatigue and low energy. Stress can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep. You can use positive affirmations at bedtime to assuage your feelings of insecurity.


    Set good sleep-time habits: Go to bed and get up at about the same time each day; get ready for sleep by winding down (no shoot-’em-up movies or news right before bedtime), turn out all the lights, and put your phone across the room.

    And if you are having trouble sleeping, try breathing exercises. Breathe in for a count of five, hold it, then exhale to a count of five. Continue this until you 

    Using a combination of these ideas will help you fall asleep faster.

  4. Cold Showers. Now hold on, I know the idea of cold showers is not appealing. But if you are suffering from low energy, this may just give you the boost you need.


    Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford School of Medicine, teaches the benefits of cold water for producing melatonin, increasing energy, and more. Start slowly with just a few minutes at first, then add more time as your tolerance to the cold increases. 

    Do not take cold showers before bed. They will energize you, which is what you want, but not when it’s time for sleep. 

Are You Ready to Boom Again?

For baby boomers, it’s “now or never” time. You’ve still got gifts to share. You know what you want. You work at keeping a good mindset. You know that vision and creativity are better than cash. You know it’s “Now or Never” for you. You use tools and tech to get more done, more quickly, and more easily. You know the importance of having energy and what happens if you let your vitality slip away.

LEARN MORE & CONNECT – Start-Over Success 

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