Article One Hundred: A Love Letter To You The Reader

Dear reader,

This is my one hundredth guest article for Forbes. A momentous occasion indeed. If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would ever like to write one article for Forbes, I would have been elated at the prospect. And, now we are at a hundred.

As we hit this milestone, I find that I am a bit reflective. I am thinking of all of the things I am thankful for in my life. For one, the opportunity to write for you. The fact that you take the time to read it is humbling. Thank you.

Much of what we have written here is about finding success. I love that topic!

In keeping with that theme, this love letter wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t suggest a few things to help you have the life you’ve always wanted.

First of all, take care of yourself. Be healthy. Eat right. Exercise regularly. Don’t live in undue stress. In fact, run away from that, because stress is a killer when there’s too much of it. As that great philosopher, Mickey Mantle, said, “If I had known I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself.” Exactly.

Secondly, keep good people around you. Encouragers. People who lift you up. People who will be honest with you and tell you when you are off track and then help you get back on the road to your destination, wherever that is.

Never stop learning. If you ever think that you are the smartest person in the room, then you need to change rooms. Yes, it can be intimidating sometime to be in the presence of real genius, but that’s a great place to be if you can find it. I have learned as I have gotten older that I don’t know everything. On purpose I’ve sought out people smarter than me and I have listened intently to every word. Remember that nothing is wasted. You’ll need this knowledge sometime down the road and you’ll be glad you paid attention, I promise.

We have talked a lot about failure in this space and how to deal with it, but I’ll remind you again because I don’t think we can ever hear it enough: Failure is not the end. It’s the beginning. Learn from it. Glean everything you can from it. And, then dust yourself off and keep walking. Don’t quit under any circumstances. You’re getting there as long as you keep moving.

Lastly, don’t buy into the age argument that the culture sometimes foists on us. If you long to do more, then do it, no matter your age. Life doesn’t end when we stop doing one job. There’s always another one that needs exactly what you bring to the table. Ignore the arguments about age being a hurdle, because they are not true. I have more contacts than I ever have. I know more than at any time in my life. I have wisdom now that I have gained from both my successes and my failures. You have too. Don’t forget that. As time goes by you become more valuable, not less.

So, as we begin the next hundred articles, let me just say that I hope these have been and will be helpful and encouraging for you. You have important work to do in this world. Stay vigilant.

Till next time.

Jill