BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
If you want lasting change, you have to give up this idea of just trying something out… that means not just ‘dabbling,’ but fully immersing yourself. – Tony Robbins
Robbins contends that goals are not achieved by what we do some of the time, but by what we do consistently. Wrote Jim Collins in his book Good to Great: “Good is the enemy of great.” Why improve what already works if ‘good enough’ is good enough? These success gurus make sound arguments, and I believe in the merits of ‘mastery’. However, there comes a time when one’s ideal achievement may take on different dimensions and definitions. The third chapter of life justly justifies a pause to consider your cause, your motivation, your ‘WHY’. Thus, there is much to be said in the defence of dabbling, and the prospects for putterers. But first, let’s define: Dabbling: to try out or casually pursue a particular activity or interest for one’s enjoyment Puttering: to occupy oneself pleasantly, doing tasks to fix, solve, or improve something ‘Dabbling’ and ‘puttering’ take on new significance in a world that has changed significantly. Our healthy longevity has vastly exceeded retirement age; only 37% of Canadian retirees have registered pension plan coverage; nearly half of us surveyed are rethinking retirement as a ‘re-firement’; an opportunity to pursue our next big chapter with revenue in mind. Dabbling and puttering can lead to profitable possibilities; successful companies do it all the time through research and development initiatives that lead to innovations. They keep the good parts, ditch the rest, and keep on testing new ideas. Learning from failure is the key to success. How does this serve us in our pursuit of what’s next? Let’s ditch the notion of a giant leap and take risks in small steps. Why not pursue what you enjoy doing and do well? This isn’t just theory; there are scores of familiar examples: A PSW who worked in a retirement home for thirty years at minimum wage. A few friends referred family members whose need for support to age-in-place allowed her to replace her job. Through a network, her service has expanded to provide home maintenance, meal planning and preparation. How about a retired friend of mine who has become an award-winning artist by simply pursuing dabbling on canvas! See Debrab@delzenart.com. Her friend, a realtor, posts on Instagram as #artdabblidoo. Then there are those DIY guys who putter to fix stuff and, by providing handyman services, can enjoy the flexibility of part-time hours. What’s consistent? Continuous curiosity is a magic formula for transition to one’s next big chapter. There’s no need for commitment; let your curiosity wane or win. Just follow the mantra: ‘Do what you love and the money will follow.’ Give yourself some time and then ask the question: Am I having fun yet? If not, move on. As Albert Einstein once opined: “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” Badda Bing!
Now under new ownership st.thomas@mollymaid.ca
Looking for a New Shed this Summer?
Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Trust the professionals for all your moving needs! REEMAN THE MOVER LTD.
St. Thomas
• Local & Long Distance Moving • Commercial & Residential Moves • Senior Citizen & Student Discounts • Packing & Crating Service • Moving Supplies • Storage Facilities • Heavy Moving Specialist (pianos, safes, etc. )
Free Estimates 519-631-7346
COMPASSION • WORKMANSHIP • GUARANTEED QUALITY ELGIN Monuments
• Engrave on natural stones • Offer pet memorial stones • Restore older monuments • Order vases and urns 519.633.1591 www.elginmonuments.com Visit our show room at 220 Edward St., St. Thomas
To advertise here contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • July-August 2025 Page 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs