More than forty years ago, my friend and mentor, Wally Loewenbaum, gave me a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since.  I’ve written about this before, but this post offers a new perspective.

If you have momentum, do everything in your power to maintain it. If you do not have it, do everything in your power to regain it.

At the time, he was talking about building a business. It was practical advice from someone who understood that success rarely comes from a single breakthrough. It comes from keeping things moving. One customer leads to another. One referral creates the next opportunity. Confidence grows with success, and success breeds more confidence. Momentum compounds.

I took Wally’s advice to heart.

Over the years, I worked to build momentum in what eventually became Mercer Capital. Along the way, I developed a career that allowed me to become known nationally in the field of business valuation. Looking back, I can see that very little of that happened because of isolated moments of brilliance. It happened because of steady forward movement over many years.

Momentum built the business. Momentum built the career.

For a long time, I thought that was the lesson.

Now I think Wally was teaching me something much larger.

The reason the lesson has become more important is that momentum and inertia are always competing for control of our lives. The contrast is useful because it helps make the idea visible. Side by side, the difference becomes hard to miss.

Aging Changes the Meaning of Momentum

It took me a few years in semi-retirement to realize that Wally’s advice still applied. Only the object of the momentum had changed.

When we are young, momentum helps us build a business and a career. When we are older, momentum helps us build a life. The goal is no longer simply climbing another ladder. The goal is continuing to move—purposefully, steadily, and with intention.

That shift matters. After a certain point, the question is no longer only, “What am I trying to build?” It becomes, “Who am I becoming?”

George Burns Had It Right

George Burns, who lived to be one hundred years old, once quipped, “I don’t believe in dying. It’s been done. I’m working on a new exit. Besides, I can’t die now. I’m booked.”

Like many great comedians, Burns wrapped profound wisdom in humor. Those two words—“I’m booked”—capture something important. Forward commitments create forward motion.

Keep Booking the Future

When we have something to anticipate, somewhere to go, someone to serve, or something to finish, tomorrow begins pulling us toward it. That is why one of the best ways to fight inertia is to keep booking the future.

Plan the trip. Commit to writing the next article. Say yes to teaching the class. Volunteer for the church project. Schedule dinner with friends. Mentor someone younger. Visit the grandchildren. Start reading the book you have been meaning to read. Plant next year’s garden.

None of these activities is remarkable by itself. Together, they create a life that keeps moving.

Motivation Comes and Goes. Momentum Carries You.

People often wait for motivation before they begin. Momentum works differently. Motivation comes and goes. Momentum carries us on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found.

That is true in business. It is just as true in life.

Three Seasons

Looking back, I can see three seasons of momentum in my own life. First came building a career. Then, alongside that career, came building Mercer Capital. Today I find myself in a third season—building a life of value.

Now, I am being intentional about building momentum for what I call the “after sixty-five” years—a season of transition into new priorities and opportunities.

Americans are crossing that sixty-five year threshold into the next season at the rate of about ten thousand per day, and will continue to do so for many years.  Whether you crossed that threshold years ago or are only approaching it, momentum still matters.

A Life of Value

What is a life of value?  I can only speak for myself.

A life where writing still matters. Where learning still matters. Where family matters even more. Where faith deepens. Where mentoring becomes a privilege. Where friendships are cultivated instead of assumed. Where there is always another project, another trip, another conversation, another opportunity to encourage someone else.

The older I get, the less interested I am in speed. I am interested in movement. Slow, steady, purposeful movement.

I suspect Wally would smile at that.

He thought he was teaching me how to build a successful business. In hindsight, he was also teaching me how to keep living.

His advice has never been more relevant. If you have momentum, protect it. If you have lost it, do not wait for inspiration to magically appear. Take one small step. Then another. Momentum has a remarkable way of finding those who are willing to move.

Because growing older is inevitable.  Growing stagnant is optional.

Today, I am grateful to have momentum.  And, like Wally advised, I intend to do everything I can to maintain it.

How about you?

Until next time, be well, and age gratefully.

Chris