“You can always make another dollar, but you can never make another minute.”
Threescore And More Is A Classic
Alan’s new book, Threescore and More is a classic read. It represents a culmination of Alan Weiss’ best legacy thoughts on aging and life with some valuable consulting tips, too. I’ve read most of his books and this is a must. Read it, absorb it, and read it again. I wrote all over it for quick reminder reads. I plan to give some for holiday gifts.
In fact, after reading this book while on vacation, it reminded me that we need to live and age strong rather than “waiting around to die,” as he writes. Age does not have to be a “default negative for many.” Aging should be a calm default to more, not less success in our lives and businesses. “Retirement” means revival not regression.
I’ve followed and consumed Alan Weiss’ content for 12 years. His books on consulting are fantastic and have been instrumental in the success of my marketing agency and consulting. His proposal outline alone has helped me land numerous clients. Alan is very experienced, smart, savvy, direct, and wise. All his content is top notch. Over the years, I’ve squeaked tons of value from his wisdom and material. You can’t go wrong with anything he writes.
Turn Age Into an Asset
Threescore and More turns age into an asset. The older you are the better you should become. As we age we build wisdom and experience than can’t be replaced. Every day become a value proposition with age and Alan drive this point home on every page.
Chapters cover the myth of Boomers and the fallacy of the “senior discount” mentality. As this chapter well summarizes, “How long can you play with grandchildren? And how many of those accursed, buffer-heavy cruises can you withstand?” He sets the stage for a treatise on age as a requirement for success, not a detriment. Each chapter also end with a “Notables” section that aptly summarizes aged, significant historical figures and their contribution. I love this and it closes each chapter with the powerful reminder of proven senior contributions. Subsequent chapters discuss perspectives on the present and the future as a new page in your story. Do “not look back” is Alan’s great reminder. He reminded me to “use your regrets as opportunities for learning, not remorse.” Alan also recommends new learning and habit changing to expand new avenues.
The Leading Mantra in Threescore and More
A leading mantra in the book reminds us of time versus money. If I remember anything in Threescore and More it’s the following: “You can always make another dollar, but you can never make another minute.” I always say that time is far more valuable than money. Alan also reminders us that “real wealth is discretionary time.” He also recommends dropping your lowest performing clients when he writes, “never assume that your calling is to make money whenever and wherever possible.” These nuggets alone make the book a winner. Don’t forget them.
Power increases rather than decreases with age. This is a fallacy of our current youth-centered culture. As Alan aptly states: “Age does not suggest involuntary servitude.” Amen brother! He also advises to keep working to keep sharp and not just for financial reasons. Productive aging creates productive contributions that make both you and your colleagues and clients better for business and life.
Alan also gives wise advice regarding adult kids. Adult being the keyword here because most senior heading adults have adults kids. He writes: “The current generation of young adults may be the most overprotected, coddles, and insulated in history, with “‘trigger warnings,’ ‘safe zones,’ and parents complaining about too much homework. For now, that’s their problem, but don’t allow it to become yours.” Our current generation of youth are surrounded by technology but “wisdom is rare.” Let your adult kids learn the hard way and don’t let them zap your best years through enabling them.
Business and Personal Advice
Interspersed with Threescore and More is fantastic business advice for all generations. For example, most businesses experience marketing problems that are hidden or couched as cash flow or revenue issues. The book is filled with age-old wisdom on aging but look for the nuggets of wisdom and experience regarding business, too. Alan also advocates reminders on innovation, perfectionism, risk taking, and receiving positive feedback.
The quest for physical and intellectual health is also encouraged in the book. Staying in shape and massive reading and writing is recommended. In fact, it was just that reminder to me to write this review. Many of my past business successes trace back to my writing and speaking and reading. It was a good “slap on the back” reminder for my own content absorption.
This book was one of my best reads in a long time. Hands down. It’s a winner no matter what age you are. The sheer combination of advice, stories, experience, personal and business nuggets, and just raw input on how aging is an asset. The book is really a timeless classic. Read it and apply it. I’m so glad I read it and cannot recommend it enough. It’s good to know I still have not reached my prime.
Thanks, Alan. One of your best. A legacy you will indeed leave with this book. Thank you for writing it!
Stuart Atkins
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