Normally I don’t make a big thing out of my Birthday but this one is different as I turn 50 tomorrow on May 3rd. People keep saying things like, “You look great for 50!” So what in the hell is that supposed to mean? 50-year-old people don’t look all that good but you my friend, are the best of the bad?

I think that part of the problem people have with these benchmark birthdays is that they go through this major self-evaluation and start questioning their life. Am I where I’m supposed to be? Do I look good for my age? Have I accomplished enough so far? How am I doing compared to my friends and neighbors? I understand that and think that there is some real value in a check on reality but I’m not going to get carried away.

I may not look as good as I could, or compared to some maybe I should have accomplished more at this age, but I really could care less because I’m happy. A measuring stick can be a dangerous thing if you are measuring the wrong stuff against the wrong metric. This doesn’t mean live your life in wild disregard; never stopping to asses where you are. It just means that I’m not going to get caught up in what it should be vs. what it is.

Some days it’s very hard to believe that I am married to such an amazing person, have two kids that for the most part Love and respect their father (they are teenagers after all), and that I get to work in an industry that I love with the most fun group of people I have ever been around in business. Stir that in with the fact that I have very real friendships with people that care about me and support me, and that my faith in God grows deeper every day. Does any of the rest really matter?

Is 50 old? I guess it is to some but for me I feel more passionate about my life and what I do for a living than ever before. When I was 21 I was ready to set the mattress industry on fire. I still am. The difference is I have made so many mistakes, I am capable of making better decisions and I have meaningful connections to people that can help me realize my goals. Truth is, I still believe that I can make a difference in the world with how people value their sleep and therefore the products we sell.

It doesn’t feel like I am on the backside of a career or life. It feels like I am just getting started and I LOVE IT!

Thanks to all of you for reading Q’s Views and for the value you bring to my life because it means more than you know. We have a long way to go together so buckle up people.

PS

A special thanks to my Mom and Dad. You guys are the best ever and I appreciate the butt-kicking early in life that gave me the skills to get this far. Love you both!