Longevity is Not a Science: It’s a Decision
5.7.24
⏳ THE LINE-UP
What’s on the lineup card (agenda)?
This week is all about longevity and tradition. As inspiration we’ll pull on examples and connect the dots of The Kentucky Derby, Netflix and a few athletes that challenged father of time.
☕️ THE WARM-UP
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” For some events, this works (read Touching Base Game 8).
But…this doesn’t apply when you’re dealing with humans, artificial intelligence and the rapid pace of this race we are running.
Shit will get broken and longevity is a details game. Instead of trying to hold onto it, how about finding ways to sustain the performance through longevity, small tweaks and iteration.
⛳️ PREGAME
In business or sport, It’s hard to reinvent yourself, but reinvention is a must.
Yes. I'm talking to you CEO who had a no flex rule when it came to being in the office. The pandemic shouldn't have forced your hand to trust your people. Now that we are back, it's a different ball game for engagement and fulfillment.
Yes, I'm talking to the collegiate coach who preaches players to adapt and adjust to the game while still running the same playbook because "it's the way we do it here." Adapting to the new-age player is tough. It’s okay if it feels off. Try it anyway.
I'm talking to myself. I'm talking to you. To us. We must be open to re-invention or we will get left behind. Will Smith and Shia Labeouf aren't always there to save us.
Change is uncomfortable and that's ok. I always loved this quote from my junior college equipment tank.
Let’s look at a few different examples of people, events and organizations playing the longevity game through iteration and innovation - while staying true to the core of who and what they are.
Tom Brady’s longevity game has been a masterclass on consistency, paying attention to the details and staying disciplined with everything he put in his body.
Netflix’s iteration was transitioning from a DVD rental service to a subscription-based streaming platform. Netflix revolutionized how people consume entertainment, offering convenience, choice, and a personalized viewing experience that fundamentally changed the industry.
Blockbuster, was nothing.
▶ Kentucky Derby’s iteration (one of them) is developing partnerships with tech firms. The Derby now lets fans virtually immerse themselves in the race, providing 360-degree views and the sensation of being trackside through VR. These experiences now offer diverse vantage points and access across the globe. Not ideal for most, but innovative enough for fans that want it.
▶ Modern sales organizations iteration comes in the form of outreach through data-driven strategies, multichannel communication, leveraging automation and personalized content to engage prospects. Want the best traditionalist mixed with modern day sales wizardry, check out Nate Stoltenhow on Linkedin.
⏱ GAMETIME
So what’s the recipe for longevity?
Consistency + Stretch Zone + Rest + Reflect
Consistency You likely know what works because tradition says so. Keep doing that. Like everyday.
i.e. The morning workouts. Asking for feedback. Listen to Mark Twain and Eat the Frog.
Stretch Zone - what is the stretch zone you are avoiding because of comfort?
i.e. Run a 5k at 30 minutes? Run the next at 28 minutes. 15 calls a day? Make it 20. Get up at 6:30am? Get up at 6:15am. Small incremental changes make a big impact.
Rest - Arguably the hardest.
Rest doesn’t have to be 2 week vacations or 2 hour naps. It can be an NSDR or a lunch hike. You know, like outside? Want to know what NSDR is? Check out The Close.👇🏼
Reflect - we don’t do it, but should. Like all the time.
You don’t need an hour journaling process. Hell you don’t need a 5 minute one. You do need something. Any reflection point and criteria that allows you to tweak and adjust is helpful.
🎁 If you do need a journaling routine, download my CLR Closing Routine that can help YOU close your evening with intention and reflection for the day that was (today) and the day that will be (tomorrow).
🏁 THE CLOSE
Create a list of behaviors that you know are good for you. Need help? It’s whenever you say to yourself, “man I feel good after doing that. Why don’t I do this everyday?” Do that. 👍
i.e the morning run/workout. Meditation. Breathwork. Your evening journal routine. The portion control. The phone call to that person.
Listen to this Huberman Labs 10 minute NSDR video and thank me later. NSDR stands for non sleep, deep rest. Want to know more, check out the episode where he goes in with Matt Walker and talks about naps. Yes naps.
Read Outlive by Peter Attia. Think of it as an operating manual for longevity. You get nutritional innovation and interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health.
ON DECK
Teaser to What Leadership Pillar and Topic Is Up for Next Week
We are Touching Base with a recap of our first 3 months of talkin’ mindset, communication and identity. Oh, and we are teasing something for June.
