The 5 Types of Wealth: a Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom is an easily readable, non-fiction treatise on the value of Time, Social, Mental, Physical, and Financial opportunities. Mr. Bloom finished writing this book as he turned 32. Yet, my observation of his ideas leads me to believe Sahil is an “old soul.” He seems wise beyond his years, quoting from many of the [business] gurus of our Baby Boomer professional lives; ancient philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians; and contemporary writers and speakers.
While much of the book focuses on building one’s life along with their career, he has wisdom to share with those of us who are retired yet still active. Thus, I share his perspectives which also serve as a catalyst to my own thinking – past and present.
In his introductory section Sahil reflects that he was in a very successful career, however a mentor he respected began asking him poignant questions. He was certain that he knew what success was but when he had reached that goal, he found happiness was elusive. His mentor suggested he visualize his ideal day at eighty years old. Through these visualizations and after several interviews with more mature people he came to “a powerful realization: We all want the same thing – and it has very little to do with money.” He determined most people’s ideal future dealt with Time, People, Purpose, Health.
Bloom provides a quiz in the beginning, offering the reader a look into his/her perception of each of these environments. Then he provides an avenue for reviewing each aspect. In the Time Wealth section he highlights the importance of spending time based on your personal goals. Of course this is a basic management concept. Yet have we stated the importance of spending time with family and friends?
As senior citizens many of us now wish we had more time to spend with other people, such as our parents, many of whom have passed on. Our friends, children, siblings, and others.
Many years ago I failed to take an extra step to locate contact information for a person whom I had respected and wished to tell him so. When I finally took the time, I learned he had just passed away. I vowed that day to make time for people – family and friends who are loved ones, along with acquaintances I admired. I have since made a point to reach out with a quick note – handwritten, emailed, or txtd – just to let them know someone remembers them.
Recently I invited a couple of friends to join me for coffee with a woman who had been a local leader. Ruth was always encouraging and supportive of women, yet now at 89 and in an assisted living retirement community, no one visits her. People who were “best of friends” have not reached out. While I would not have said we were good friends, I always visited with her at various meetings, occasionally enjoying a dinner out with her. I now make it a point to see her at least once a month.
As Bloom points out, it is important to understand that our time is finite. It is impermanent. In our winter years, we know this all too well. Still, are we making the effort to take advantage of the time we have? Are we allowing ourselves the freedom to choose how we want to spend each minute of each day? Are we tending to and focusing on the things that leave a legacy and that matter most to us? Bloom asks his big question: “How many moments do you have remaining with your loved ones?”
It is never too late to take control of the time we have. Time marches on. Let’s step in line and make the most of the time we have.
Silver Sage Sisters 