Entries from August 2007 ↓

I’m not sure retirement is a worthwhile goal - or realistic. For a few weeks now I’ve been trying to plan a “getaway” trip. It’s a daunting task sorting through calendars to find dates that don’t conflict with prior obligations. More than once I’ve grown weary with it and blurted out, “Forget it. It’s not worth the effort.”

And I’m just trying to plan a trip that won’t last a week! How in the world could I possibly plan for a time period longer than that? I’m certain retirement planning involves a longer time span than a week.

The question, “Should retirement be your goal?” is a worthwhile question - and hardly new. For years I’ve wondered why so many people waste their present in hopes that tomorrow will be better.

The guy who works for 30 years and can’t wait until retirement suddenly finds himself with nothing to do. Financially he may have prepared for retirement, but he’s got no interests, no purpose and lots of free time. It can make for a lonely existence.

Whine as we might - about work - being busy and staying busy is a good thing. Sure, we all need to recharge periodically. But the chase invigorates me. Doing something of value isn’t limited to affairs of business, but a sense of accomplish often eludes retirees who stop working and stop contributing. Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching the tide roll away is a nice thought - but it would kill most of us if we had nothing more to do.

Retirement isn’t my goal. Maintaining health - mentally and physically - so I can contribute as much as possible for as long as possible, that’s my goal! I fully expect to improve myself so I can be a person worth paying for as long as possible.

Sadly, the retirees I know often do the least even though they have the most time. It’s a true adage that if you want something done, give it to a busy person. Try asking a retired person to do something. I haven’t found it very successful. They’re accustomed to doing nothing and it never gets done. Ask the man who is working and has a houseful of kids and he’ll find a way to get it done because that’s the nature of how he behaves everyday. He has learned he must find a way to get it all done. He has little choice.

I’d much prefer to be busy, working hard to find time to peel away for a few days than to be sitting idle with no agenda or schedule. So, I’ll keep planning my trip and Lord willing, sometime in October we’ll bug out of town for a bit - and soak up some leisure time and different scenery. Then, I’ll come back to work geared up to do it again until I sense my sanity slipping - then I’ll plan another trip or some more time off. And in between those times, I’ll have as much fun as I can. I’ll laugh a lot. I’ll whine a little. I’ll cry a bit. And I’ll be thankful that all is as well with me as it is. And it really is.

Merlin Mann is the guru behind 43 Folders. On July 23, 2007 he made this presentation to Google employees. It’s about being more productive through successful email management.

America is worst for the wear. Time causes erosion. In everything. Including morality and a person’s good sense of right and wrong.

Dog fighting has been in the news for a few months now. At the center is Michael Vick, a professional quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. Vick may be the current face of a horrible “sport,” but I wonder how many people are really engaged in this crime. Some say up to 40,000 people are involved. Who really knows?

While that may seem as rather small number, the despicable nature of the crime and the heinous attitude of those who engage in it is larger than life. A complete disregard for suffering, pain and life is ever present. One is quickly reminded of the fact that behavioral scientists tell us serial killers begin by torturing and killing animals. Before long, disregard for life and pain is high - and taking a human life becomes a way of life. It begs the question, “Can a person who loves dogs fighting be a kind, gentle person toward fellow humans?” How could that be possible?

The fact is, human kind if not made better by poor behavior - of any kind. Michael Vick’s life was not improved by his involvement in dog fighting. It didn’t make him kinder or better in any way. The chase for excitement - at the expense of others, albeit a dog - is not a wonderful platform on which to build strong moral character.

Michael Vick has damaged himself far more than the loss of a career as an NFL quarterback, or a million dollar spokesperson, or a celebrity. He’s damaged his soul. He’s robbed himself of being the person he could have been. He’s joined the throngs of people who don’t stop to consider a life worth living. No matter your religious affiliation, or beliefs - almost all of us admire people of good character. We value those who are truthful, gentle, kind and respectful. Vick is none of those things. He’s the worse for it.

Morality is within each of us when we’re young. At some point, the world hardens us. We grow callous. We grow cold. We’re sometimes without feeling. A person who can witness, and contribute, to the suffering of an animal harms more than the animal. They harm their character - and damage their soul.

On a recent HBO “Real Sports” episode, the SPCA and law enforcement officers raided a dog fighting enterprise - a place where the dogs were being raised. As they approached these heavily chained dogs, walking in mud and filth - I noticed something remarkable. Here were these strangers approaching fierce animals that were trained to attack their own kind. When the people cautiously approached them, their tails wagged.

And I became sad. For them. And for us.

There is a sign outside our offices that says, “No Soliciting Allowed.” It doesn’t always work. Like today - a few moments ago actually.

In walks a young guy in a shirt and tie. One of those leather legal pad binders in hand. He tells me his name - like I care. He tells me the company he’s with - like I really care. And he tells me his company is one of DHL’s largest partners. What does that mean? I don’t ask. I don’t care.

He utters one of the more ridiculous phrases I’ve heard from a cold-calling salesman, “I was in the area and wanted to drop by to say hello to the PRESIDENT.” Who? The President? Sure, buddy. The Prez has been waiting all morning for you to show up - so he can kick your @$$ right out the door. Moron.

No, I said none of those things, but I did behave badly. Here’s what I did say:

“Did you see that sign on the door?”

“Yes.”

“Get lost.”

That pretty much ended it - although he could be heard muttering something under his breath. I think he was commenting on how nicely I looked today. Figuring he’d promptly go out into the parking lot and key every car, I decided to go to the front windows to watch. Nope, no keying took place. Sigh of relief.

Then I began to get an overwhelming sense of shame and regret. Yes, he was a moron. Yes, it was stupid of him to barge in asking to speak to the president. But did his moronic work behavior dictate that I kick him out. Perhaps. It sure made it much faster. Usually, I nicely try to get rid of folks, but they always try to fight through your invitation to get rid of them. Most often, by putting something like a business card, brochure, calendar or a free notepad in your hand. I don’t want to talk to these people much less make a physical connection with them by accepting something. I just want them to leave.

But here I am - somewhat sorry for having been an @H to this young man. It wasn’t necessary - maybe. I’m not better for having behaved poorly. I never am. Sometimes it just happens before I’ve thought it through. And it happens frequently when morons sneak up on me unannounced. I like to prepare for all my encounters with idiots.

I’m sorry. Mr. “I Can’t Read Your No-Soliciting Sign, Cold Calling” Salesman, please forgive me. But don’t come back. Ever!