In our culture, the only question people think needs answering about retirement is, “Do I have enough money?” The reality is that the pre-eminent question really is, “Do I have sufficient purpose?” Without some form of contented industry present in our life, no matter what our age, it is doubtful that we will experience this wellspring of human happiness.
Lastly, Mayo addressed our role in a future where we may not be physically present and addressed the idea of giving back to the very places that have given so much to us. “The fund which we had built up and had grown far beyond our expectations had come from the sick, and we believed that it ought to return to the sick in the form of advanced medical education, which would develop better trained physicians, and to research to reduce the amount of sickness.”
Eventually, all of us and all our clients will wrestle with the soul-centered obligation of giving back and sowing forward. What better can we do with the boons, blessings and windfalls bestowed upon our lives than to sow them into a cause that will improve life for others? The Mayo brothers’ exposure to sickness and suffering sensitized them to the more global insufficiencies that prolonged suffering for millions. Our clients have also made observations along the way and may have ideas about how to meet the needs and prevent the suffering of others. Our money needs to be a part of this conversation.
Three profound questions emerge from Mayo’s comments:
1. Have I ever considered how much is enough?
2. Do I have “contented industry” present in my life?
3. Am I sowing into the future?
I would encourage you to consider the idea that the last two questions will have far greater resonance only when the first question has been satisfactorily answered.
Meaningful work and the impacts we have on others are the hallmarks of truly abundant living. To reach this place of abundance requires, however, that we decide how much is enough. In my next column, I am going to share an inspirational story of a young man on a promising career path who has done just that and who is now inspiring others to do the same.
Mitch Anthony is the author of The New Retirementality (Wiley), now in its fourth edition.