OVER THE HILL // December 19, 1992 isn’t a day I remember well. It’s a day I don’t remember at all. I assume it was cold outside, and snow covered the ground because it would’ve been winter in Iowa. I would’ve been 11 years old, the youngest of three brothers. Jared, the oldest, would’ve been 17 and Ian 14. I have never been so fascinated about this day until now. Why? What’s so special about a day I can’t remember at all? That is the day my dad turned 40. I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit lately because today I hit that very same threshold. How is that possible?!

40 years old is referred to as Over the Hill. Those words give a mental picture of the beginning of decline. In sports it’s almost impossible to be this age and still compete at a high level. Few have defied age, like Tom Brady, still playing in the NFL at age 44. Heck, boys drafted into the NBA at age 22 are already called old. What?!

What if 40 wasn’t the start of the downhill decline? What if it’s simply another mile marker? Or even an upgrade to version 4.0? I’m here to prove that the ascent has just begun!

In this blog, I will have a series called The Ascent, where I will document anything that I find beneficial to reach my ultimate goal: The Ascent to 100 years old. I will regularly update you on things I’m learning, things I’m trying, and my status as I start my ascent to 100.

I was recently listening to a podcast from Tim Ferris where he interview “Master Investor” Ed Thorp (The Tim Ferris Show | Episode 604). Ed shared a principle of Short-term vs. Long-term Thinking. The titles are pretty self-explanatory, but the impact could be life changing. When you only think toward short-term you will focus more on the now and make decisions based on the environment around you. However, if you use long-term thinking, you will look far past that momentary decision and weigh out the long game. My goal with this series is to make a majority of my decisions based off long-term thinking instead of short-term, or instant gratification. This will include diet, exercise, finance, and anything else that will help along the way!

I want to encourage and challenge you along the way. If you’re reading this at age 30 you might be thinking, “I still have 10 years until I have to worry about that.” You’re not wrong, but what if you gave yourself a head start? How much better off would you be then me? What if you’re 60 and thinking, “It’s too late for me.”? It’s not too late! There’s a Chinese proverb that I love that goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” You may not get your youth back, but you can do far better than you’re doing at this moment!

Getting Started // What is one area in your life that would see benefits from long-term thinking? What is one thing you can do to get that tree planted today?

To My Boys // “I’m so proud of you. I’m thankful every day that I get to be your dad! You are the very best parts of me. You are dearly loved by your mom and me. Now go out there and do your best.” – Dad