Just Plain Bill

The recording of my legacy begins…

When the end of the year holidays roll around, thoughts often turn to family or friends or relationships. At this time of my life, as I gracefully move through my “fourth quarter,” questions are emerging of what type of legacy I would leave when my life was over. I know the reality is that we are all building our so-called legacy with every decision we make throughout our life.

From time to time, I’ve read about leaders or prominent figures discussing what their legacy might be – what they’ll be remembered for. I don’t consider myself a fit in either the “leaders” or “prominent figures” category. I suppose I read about others because I’m curious how they define their legacy. When I consider what I might be remembered for, I immediately think of my children – my older daughter Karen, my son Carl, and my younger daughter Jessica.

I have been blessed with three children, the oldest off which has grown into an awesome mother of four perfect grandchildren, a loving and caring wife, a leader of a church music and educational program, and an involved parent of her children’s schools. 

My first child defined me as a parent and as a man. She changed my life. Her arrival brought all the joy, trepidation, wonder, hope, doubt, and fears that I carried living life…and I was living life in far different ways than before. My thoughts and actions were never to be the same, always to be defined by the title of “father.”

I struggle to find the perfect words to describe the happiness and pride I continue to feel as the father of Karen Ann Willis.

Dear Daughter,

You make the coming of a new year most joyous with your smile, your laugh, and your incredible commitment to service. Thank you.

Love,

Dad

(Coming in future posts, more about Karen, Carl, and Jessica.)

Just Plain Bill

Finally found a solution…

While it’s just a movie, I’d like to believe I’ve found a solution to one of the most vexing tendencies I continue to experience: L'esprit de l'escalier – the French term loosely defined as the snappy retort you think of just after the opportunity has passed.

The movie About Time is based on the premise that male members of their family have the incredible power to change history – to go back in time and either say or do something differently thereby changing what you said or did and what resulted because of your different choice. Cool!

I guess the core message underneath the glamour and wonder of the movie is to improve my retorts when the opportunity first presents itself. Sounds kind of clunky, but I loved the movie and I believe you will to.

Just Plain Bill

Seen on TV – Teacher promises students money for improving test scores?

If I hadn’t seen and heard it myself, I wouldn’t have believed that a teacher would actually say that to her class prior to their annual standardized test. The story was told to millions of viewers during the introduction segment of Jeopardy, at the break during the first round.

The teacher made that statement to demonstrate the generosity of her students. Upon earning their financial reward (nee bribe), the students offered to donate the money to the school’s charity campaign. Good for the students! Bad for the teacher.

While the students did the honorable thing by donating their “winnings”, I am blown away by that teacher’s simplistic approach to motivation. I would assign that teacher – and any others who feel that you can pay for performance – to read and write a 500 word report on Alfie Kohn’s, award-winning book now 20 years past: Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes.

I guess that teacher – and too many others like her – feel the students must have been coasting or sandbagging on other tests.

Sad state of affairs!

Just Plain Bill

Old - What good is it to have lived a long life?

What good is it to have lived a long life if what I’ve learned is not being put to good use in the present? Thus starts a series of observations for my “Just Plain Bill” blog.

Of the world’s estimated population of 7 billion, approximately 87% of the 7 billion are younger than me. WOW! Not that age necessarily translates to knowledge, but there is some research that indicates that wisdom generally increases with age. More importantly, what a loss if that wisdom is not being shared with later generations.

Other than using the preface “when I was your age” to start the wisdom sharing process – an opener that is almost guaranteed to turn off the listener – I continue to search out opportunities to contribute; to add value in whatever way possible regardless (or because) of my age of 75. I started my last full-time job when I had just turned 70. I signed my latest consulting contract at 75 and a half.

Since I strive to maintain high levels of energy, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit, I intend to work until someone tells me I can’t. In fact, I’m presently developing two courses to teach for Davis (CA) Adult school. One is on the Virtual Office (as co-author of the Amazon Bestseller "The Virtual Office: Success Tools for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses", written at age 75). The other is The Pitch – How to get Investors to Fund Your Ideas. If you’re in the area and have an interest, I’d love to have you join us. Classes start on January 7, 2014. (Private offerings can also be arranged by contacting bill.denyer007@gmail.com.)

To those of you with a wealth of experiences under your belt, and especially those of you advanced in chronological age just as I am, I challenge you to get out there and share the magic and joy you’ve accumulated. Make 2014 YOUR year to make a difference – for yourself and many others!

More on aging in upcoming blogs.