As I was watching the Rolling Stones play an amazing set a couple weeks ago, one thought stood out in my mind — these guys look like they are having the time of their lives. They certainly don’t need the money or fame… but I bet they'll be doing that for the rest of their lives.
I think I know how they feel. Here’s why I'm on the “Rolling Stones Retirement Plan”:
Let me know what you think and leave me a comment below!
Bruce Whipple
Jeff:
I always loved this quote. ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’
Given your interest in wilderness trips you should check out http://www.cliff-jacobson.com/
Cliff has dedicated his life to that pursuit and is world class.
Happy 4th.
Best regards,
Bruce
Derek C Howie
Love It Love It.. Great Presentation Jeff.. Went To School With Mick Jagger Having Fun Is The Forerunner To Health @ Happy.. Derek C Howie take care out.
geertje
so true – you hit definitely the point!
Michael Gorman
Since 1962 the Rolling Stones have become a rock ‘n roll juggernaut-speaking as a long time Guitar player myself, it is for it’s own sake that I love to play, not for people’s acclaim, or to please others – for the music. So I know what you are saying Jeff – once you become adept and you learn your craft, which is your business, I get it man – you love your work!
In terms of online business I am still developing my stride, my ideal ‘niches’ – I have some of it, but people such as yourself help to find it!
heris
Hi Jeff,
Thanks again for the great video. I agree that there is no need to retire if we love what we do. I always enjoy learning new things.
Wayne
Great start to my day Jeff! Add motivational speaker to your credentials. Watch out Brandon!
Cloris
Thank you for another inspiring video, Jeff! It’s a blessing to be able to do what we love for a living, and it’s also a blessing that we didn’t choose to hear the naysayers when they told us to forget about our dreams. I think that when people can’t wait to retire, they’re not following their passion. And that’s not the way to make the best out of our life!
Murray
Great little vid Jeff. I love what I do. I don’t make much money actually, but I am having a great time. Today I am in Hungary delivering a seminar and tomorrow I fly to Portugal to deliver another. After that onto Oregon. I just have to pinch myself sometimes. I can’t belive how privileged I am to be doing what I do.
I purchased your training some months back. I hope, by learning from you, I can actually start to make a little money out of my absolute enjoyment.
Love your work.
Regards
Murray
Mike Mintz
Jeff – I get EXACTLY what you are saying. Since enrolling in PLF less than 1-week ago, I’ve been inspired to follow my dream and start producing videos/content about a subject I’m so passionate about. Now I’ve been working pretty “successfully” in marketing the last 5 years, making some money and doing some good work. But the subject matter wasn’t really my “art” – it’s what brought in money. The people I was reaching weren’t my “tribe” they were prospects and customers. PLF has changed the way I view what I need to be doing. The “opportunity cost” of not pursuing what my passion is, my purpose, is too expensive – thank you for teaching me how to build a business that helps me fulfill my purpose.
Keith
Hi Jeff,
Just a quick comment to thank you for this input. Twelve years ago I quit a job as a high school teacher when I was still thoroughly enjoying it – and felt I still had much to offer – in order to start a personal development company working in schools and businesses. To use your word, which I use a lot myself, too, I wanted to see if I could positively impact even more people than I had had the privilege of doing thus far.
It was really successful and I was very much enjoying that business, too, when 18 months ago and aged 67 years, (still can’t believe that number – LoL), I decided to change direction again to see if I could “impact” even more people by delivering on-line what I’d previously delivered live.
Getting to grips with the technology and adopting the different mind set necessary is proving a challenge but I do have a sense of purpose which not only keeps me going but will get me there….or somewhere better!
We’re all different, and what works for one may not be right for others, but it’s interesting to hear some of the comments and signals I pick up from some friends who mean well and are not being critical but nevertheless don’t understand that I still enjoy what I do and believe I still have something to offer and therefore don’t consider ‘retiring’ yet.
Which is why I thought I’d add this little footnote to your video. Simply to say thank you, how much I enjoy your work, and long may you continue.
Kind regards,
Keith
Rick Stone
Yeah, I totally get it and I agree. I’m a full-time musician and teacher and I’ll turn 60 in about a month. When I’m with old friends (who aren’t musicians) the conversation often turns to retirement. Most of them can’t wait to retire, and they seem kind of surprised when I tell them I have NO retirement plan. But the reality is; what would I do if I retired? I’d just want to play more gigs and keep teaching lessons. These are the things that energize me. I guess I retired about 35 years ago! 😉 Wish I could get the money part of the equation a little more solid, but the reality is that although I’m not getting rich, I’m not a starving artist either. I pretty much always have what I need to live and do the thing that I love.
I am currently studying your book and video though and learning a lot about how I can do a better job of marketing my website. It started out as a labor of love and this year we relaunched it as a paid subscription site but it’s not yet paying for itself. I almost signed up for your PLF course this last round, but I’m pretty much a “do-it-yourselfer” and the things that I need the most help with right now are the technical details (best practices setting up the squeeze pages, auto-responders, etc.). So the thing that would have made me pull the trigger is if the course included templates and “how to” segments on these details.
Thanks for putting some great material out in the world though!
ania
lol..awesome analogy…you can’t ask an artist to stop making art…..it’s who they ARE…it’s like…we can’t ask God to stop being, lol…
Kohava
Hi
Thank you so much for this message this morning!
And for you encouragement words.
I love you art, you are awesome;)
Bliss and Peace
Kohava
Lin E
Jeff, you are a rock star in so many ways, not the least of which is the way you coach from the heart. You’ve got moves as good as Jagger’s. Thank you for “the push”… so happy to be part of your tribe.
Jeff Walker
@Lin: thank you! 🙂
Lisa Marie Rosati
I loved this video Jeff. I’ve never considered myself an “artist” mainly because I don’t enjoy painting on canvas. I’m very creative – so I channeled my creativity towards interior design and gardening. You making the point that your work is your art impacted me deeply, my ears perked up… you are absolutely right! My work is my art too and I plan to create and share it with the world for as long as I’m here!
Bright Blessings ~ Lisa Marie Rosati
Gordon Wat
That was such a good question, but like you I enjoy doing what I do like you. Teaching people that are just plane uneducated with the fact that us as entrepreneurs think different. But I didn’t start that way, but when you enjoy what you do at the end of the day. The money comes after. Like you I love doing it…….but that part doesn’t matter its getting someone else to see the same vision. Like you said I am meant to do this, but in the right way
Heather
Karma. The timing of this video is perfect for me. I’ve been reflecting on what I do to make a difference (helping job seekers navigate their career path) and my passion behind it. People tell me that I’m making a difference, but I don’t feel the passion every day. So I’ve been thinking about how to incorporate things that I am passionate about into what I do. Thank you.
Ward Luthi
Perfect Jeff. Thank you! Finding happiness and joy in the work we do is a gift, one you seem to embrace fully. Looks like a beautiful day in the Rockies!
Jeff Jones
Hi Jeff,
This is what I’m totally working to find right now! I’m a little late to the game having bought into the traditional J-O-B model for many years but I’m making progress.
I think a lot of us get sidetracked because they don’t really believe if they’re doing something they were made to do that it could possibly be so much fun you don’t even consider it work. This is a mental divide I’m crossing right now and it feels better all the time!
Thanks for posting these great videos and inspiring us every week by showing us you CAN make an impact doing something you love!
Jeff
Roy Harrison
Thanks Jeff, A very nice presentation and YES I concur with your observations. Your interest in what you do is evident from your actions and explanations. Thanks for sharing with us, I am hoping the infection will spread ! I am certainly happy for you in doing so well and wish you all the very best in your continued endeavors
I have been pursuing the retirement aspect for nigh on 15 years now, perhaps, with your help and vision this can be realized ?
Retirement means to me, a change to pursuits that I enjoy ! ( Rather than previous pursuits for need ).
Roy
Debby Kay
Jeff;
Ever since I met you in California I have been taking your advice and you are so right on. I am on my 3rd “career” and loving it and thanks to you, making money too.
Sunhae
Thanks for your nice “feel good” video, Jeff, and putting a smile on my face today.
Barry Friedman
Always shape shifting in this life. But this one hasn’t gone away for 33 years. https://youtu.be/cRYzjqchNKo
Jill Lampi
I am regularly inspired by your short videos just like this one, thank you so much! I discovered you less than a year ago but your impact has been tremendous! Thank you for crafting your art and sharing it so wholeheartedly with the world!
David Price
When the great Pablo Casals was 93 he was asked why he kept practicing his cello. He said simply, “Well, I think I’m finally getting somewhere”.
Jeff Walker
@David: I love that!
Camilla
Awesome video and message Jeff! When you love what you do and you keep delivering your “art” to the world you also stay young. I mean, how many 70 year old’s would be able to continue performing like Rolling Stones? Look at Warren Buffett who at age 84 still goes to the office every day. What is that thing you must do, want to do, cannot not do? Ah, pursue that and you’ll never want to retire 🙂
Ann Rea
Nice analogy Jeff 😉
A creator has to create. It’s gives us joy. It’s just that simple.
Content is king. The most extraordinary content, throughout history, has always been (art.)
Katleen
Great video, Jeff!
Once you found your path and you say “yes” to it, it does not feel like work. What I learned over the years of working with my husband in our “built on our passion” business, is to also make your business serve you as the owner.
I love your future ideas about taking entrepreneurs out on trips in nature. Go for it 🙂
Kat.
BlueBeardPresents
Thanks Jeff!
Just what I needed to hear this morning!! Just started my own new blog, very first post yesterday, following a passion and line of business the has been dormant inside of me for 10 years! I realized just now that I can do this for the rest of my life, in some form or fashion. Again thank you for the inspiration and example!
Cecilia
Jeff, I’m on the Rolling Stones retirement plan too. Yeah! What was the novelist you mentioned that recently died? And when you get ready to do wilderness trips for entrepreneurs, lets talk. You can lead the biking and rafting portions, I’ll lead the rock climbing and surfing parts. Deal?
David Price
Gabriel Marquez maybe.
Cat Shrier
Love this post Jeff! I’ll share it with my tribe and my own thoughts soon – but first wanted to share something with you, and provide an offer of support on the idea you mention near the end of the video post on wilderness trips for entrepreneurs. This brought to mind one of my favorite NPR episodes – one I was introduced to in journalism school, by Alex Chadwick about a river trip he took after his wife died. The title of the segment suggests that it’s about the climate activist who was also on the trip, but I think this story is as much about taking informed, guided risks and getting back up when you’re down. http://www.npr.org/2011/10/10/141215959/climate-activist-visits-wilderness-before-prison-term. I’ve been exploring development of all sorts of experiential learning approaches involving water for WaterCitizen, both “onsite” and “online” (e.g. turning river-based education into a reality show for people who can’t be there in person). Jeff, let me know if you want to work on this together! Cat (CSU alum)
Jeff Walker
@Cat: were we on a Grand Canyon river trip together circa 2004?
Margriet Rensch
Thank you Jeff, This is an important and timely discussion. You see I turned 66 a couple of days ago and I am looking forwards to enjoy what I do for many more years to come for the joy and difference I make in peoples lives.
When people talk to me about retirement I do not have an answer because its totally a personal state of mind determined by ones Happiness IQ is.
Thanks again your a great teacher
Pat Henry
Jeff, what a super message today! I am 74 and have no desire for retirement. I’ve been blessed with many exciting adventures and followed many paths in all that time, including being the first American woman to sail alone around the world. For the past nine years I have taught people how to move their bodies to release old restrictions in the connective tissue that hold them back from exploring and enjoying their full physical potential. Last year, I gathered all my courage to step out and develop a virtual version of my studio classes. Creating all the videos and the marketing was challenging but also satisfying as I knew I could deliver benefits to so many more people. I miss knowing my students and the direct contact and feedback from the studio classes (being on stage). I follow every video you put out for these inspiring ideas and the way you deliver them…your joy in what you do just bubbles over, and that is what brings me (maybe all of us) back week-after-week. Thank you!
Jeff Walker
@Pat: Solo around the world… wow! That’s impressive! I’ve spent a lot of time on boats… did a lot of sailing when I was growing up (small boats), but now that I’m in Colorado most of my boating is on rivers in rafts and kayaks.
Mariana Ferrari
Jeff,
I love your energy and your art! Keep rockimg it and making millions AND loving life as you show you do!
Sally
I appreciate that you haven’t “retired” and love being a part of PLF. I also love what I do, but at the same time I look forward to automating my business more and more so that I can spend more time with my family, which I guess could be considered retirement of sorts 😉 I don’t ever want to stop learning and experiencing new things, though. Thanks for all you do, Jeff!
Kevin
Jeff,
Thanks for sharing such an awesome perspective on Retirement and our calling in life. It is so important that we pursue what we are meant to do. It has great dividends! Very interested in your wilderness trips for entrepreneurs!
Diana
Doing what you love and helping others is a blessing that I believe is available to all of us. If we take the time to peel away all the layers we’ve allowed the world has put on us and find our art, we can all love what we do and never want to retire.
John
Hi Jeff, great video and message, yes I’ve always understood that if you love what you do its never really work however my ‘challenge’ is [as a generalist – fairly good at a number of things rather than only good at one thing] is how to discover what I was ‘put’ on this planet for – what is my purpose and more importantly how to discover what this is? – if you cover this somewhere please advise – meanwhile so grateful for the great content you continue to provide [so don’t retire yet please……..!!
Andrea Scalici
Awesome video! I absolutely agree. Everyone has a special gift or skill or whatever to offer. If we could all just figure out that one thing and share it, this world would be even better.
Jacob Shekrel
Thank you Jeff,
Thank you for the video and for keep teaching your art… In my class, I call it my passion.
It was my passion in my previous “Job” when I had my Scuba Diving School and did things which people said I’m losing money, but I helped thousands to get over their fears.
And I do it now in My Coaching… giving, giving… I love it !
And Also my teacher and mentor – Bob Proctor who today celebrate his 81st birthday, he keeps working and share his passion.
The people with passion are those who change the world…
Thank you for being one of them.
Jacob
Tony Roberts
Once again, the message resonates with me…
Isn’t that something that we all want – to find something we can love doing so much that we see no end in sight?
Anyway, with regards to those wilderness trips, count me in! 😀
Mike Dion
Thank you Jeff!
It is truly an amazing feeling when you get to express and show your ‘art’ to an audience.
My art is documentary films.
After spending many months in the edit bay and then getting to screen the finished film to a packed theater hearing the oohh’s, ahah’s and laughs from the crowd in unison is almost like a drug. No better reward in the world for all your efforts!
In fact my new film ‘Inspired to Ride’ will be screening in Durango on August 4th 7:00pm.
It would be awesome if you and your family were in town on that day to come check it out.
As a fellow cyclist, I’m sure you would enjoy it.
http://www.inspiredtoride.it/event/durango-co
P.S. I’d love to brainstorm with you about taking entrepreneurs into the wilderness — bike-packing, river-rafting, hiking…
All the best
Mike
Jeff Walker
@Mike: that looks like a really cool film! The timing just might work – it’s still a little up in the air, but it might be OK.
Suzanne Reilley
YES.
David
Hi Jeff
Do you see any difference between the ‘definite chief aim’ as used by Napoleon Hill and the ‘reason why we were placed on this earth’?
Cheers from Greece
David
Dodie Jacobi
The Zip Code Tour played in my homecode of 64129 and was the hot topic over July 4th activities! Those friends who have “jobs” marveled most at The Stones’ longevity and physical stamina. My comment: it’s the power of joyful work, the true fountain of lifelong youth. The only remaining mystery inspired by one’s comment, “Mick sounds just like he did at 30!”…..Does he sound now like he did at 30 or did he sound like he was 70 then?”
Bonnie
Love it! I turn 65 in a couple of weeks and I’m NEVER going to retire! My dad taught college kids into his 80’s. My step-mom is 75 and going strong with her own furniture and interior design business with clients all over the world. My mother was an active antique dealer until pancreatic cancer got her at 79 – and in her hospital bed she was giving me instructions about customers and who to sell what to, etc.!
I’ve never been happier in my life than I am right now. Sold my company in 2011 and “retired”, which lasted about 3 months. Completely changed fields. Working on a new book and business – making an impact in health care. I’m working your PLF and saw you at Brendon’s Expert’s Academy last year. You guys ROCK!
Wonderful idea for wilderness travel. I lived in Evergreen, CO for 8 years (back in my late 20’s) and used to go backpacking in the Gore range for 3-4 day trips. Absolutely no one around. Fantastic. Count me in when you get it organized. I’m not 25 – I’m 49 and holding – and I’ll give it my best shot!
All the best,
Bonnie
Montse
Great video ,so inspiring !
And the most I like is your authenticity and naturallity.
Thanks!
Eric Byrd
It’s so important to remember that we work to feed more than our bellies (or buy cars, houses, and ‘stuff’)… striving for constant improvement is actually fun! In his book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience”, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi talks about how human beings are constantly striving for things… we thrive on challenges and we actually enjoy getting to that point where we are in “the flow” of a project or mission. That’s when the rest of the world falls away and we are one with the experience.
The joy is in the journey, not the destination. That feeling is what so many of us are missing in life… and I agree that is why the Stones keep rockin’ after all this time.
Phyllis Seidl
Jeff I am an artist. I love what I do. I feel extremely fortunate that I discovered that I am an artist and have no doubt that this is my life purpose. I plan to go on forever. Not literally obviously, but I shall create till I drop. Love your analogy, in equating “doing ones art as a retirement plan. Hadn’t actually thought of it this way before but it rocks. Thanks.
Jen McVeity
Jeff love this video. You talk about ‘impact’, others talk about passion, we all think the same – leave the world a little better for being here.
Talent, yes people with that and passion are the fortunate ones. I wanted to write… published 20 books… now we train over 5000 teachers a year in schools about writing. To make a difference like that is humbling. God I was lucky to be born with that talent. Sometimes it is a huge responsibility. You have to work hard to share what helps others.
Retire? Play golf? Lay by the pool? Hell, I don’t think so. I want to get out of bed every morning and make a difference.
And then hike the Grand Canyon and swing on a circus trapeze…
Andrew
Jeff,
This was so spot on and I am really glad that you put this together. Sometimes when you see people who are crushing it online (or business in general) and they keep going it appears that maybe they are not doing as well as they say they are. But, that would just totally be out of character for you, Brendon, Dean, Russell, and any of the other hero’s I follow. It was good to hear the heart and passion that keeps you going. Thanks for keeping it real!
Peter Martini
Hi Jeff, thank you for your art, I love it. I am on the way to build my art, not so easy, because I have to change me and I have to endure. But I will do it.
Alan R. Ward,Aka: karshotz...
Hello Jeff, just wanted to stop over and say “Hello”! You so Rock! I just watched a few of your videos, I am so cranked now. I am an Artist/Photographer, I shoot cars and make books, and posters and Canvas Prints. After watching your video of retirement I realized, I am here on earth to fulfill my ART of shooting cars and putting my ART on others Walls, In Canvas! Illustrations is What I Do! It is What I want to Do. It is now my Passion! I will continue to watch and follow your ART, It is so helpful to bring out My Art. Thank You! karshotz…
Chris
Jeff, In a world of slick internet salesmen who seem more interested in the dollars than the people you are the real deal! Thanks for all your inspirational messages & ideas.
Oh, and by the way, I’ll sign up for one of those wilderness trips – so that’s one ticket sold!
Jeremy Taylor
Thanks for the ideas you shared
Sam
Jeff, after watching a few of your videos and reading your book Launch – I understand more truly why I feel so unhappy with my new job promotion. I am not doing what the universe has been pulling me to do. This “out of sync” feeling I get everyday I go into my job just reminds me how unfulfilled I really am. Your videos and book have helped me to identify how to take my passion and put it on center stage. I want to live passionately and help others to do the same. Much success to you and continue impacting the world positively!
Sherrie
Love this as always very helpful.
Douglas Sims
Hi Jeff:
I have a basic question for you; “What is the amount of money required to retire at 53 years old.”
Yes, that is a tough and individual questions with many variables. I have been a vary successful professional. I retired from my first career at 41 (I burned out); I built a large firm with offices across the country and made great money, before taxes of course, then sold it. I then walked into an academic position (Faculty) and shortly promoted to a position of administrator as they saw I had skills.
My question is; what do you need in funds to retire? The 4% rule is not fact, it was a suggesting in a vary basic study that took off but, it has been perverted to a point that know one seems to know much about its origin or why 4%. It assumes no grown and a 25 year life span once you pull your $40,000 out for 25 years (1,000,000 / 25 = $40,000).
If you have $1,000,000 in funds and it grows by 7.5% (realistic) you will earn $75,000 per year so, if you only take $40,000 per year, your fund grows.
So, what are your thoughts here?