I discovered #JohnMaxwell some time over the past few years. His perspectives, programs and leadership messages really hit home with me. He inspires me. And I aspire to continue to develop my leadership skills to help team members and clients on their journeys to help others, as he has.
He also reminds me of my own father.
Recently, I saw one of John’s videos where he shared lessons learned from his father, Melvin Maxwell, who lived a full life and passed away at 98 years old. At the young age of 85, he shared several suggestions about how to celebrate your senior years. Here are a few highlights:
Stay alive. Don’t quit dreaming.
Find new ideas. Set new goals.
Never stop trying. Persistence always wins.
Leave a memorial that will live on…in love, kindness, faith or vision.
My father, Joe Cuffaro, wasn’t fortunate enough to be on this earth for almost a century. However, he did truly live until his untimely death at age 73. He was relatively healthy and active. During his later years, he volunteered over 10 years of his time to a local food pantry, after retiring from a successful sales career, and doted on his several grandchildren by taking them to play mini-golf, feed ducks at the lake, get donuts or ice cream. With my sister, cousins and our spouses, he loved a party, and always wanted to be part of the action by sharing a drink or toast with us for holidays and other occasions. He wasn’t one to give advice or lecture. Instead, through his actions, he was an inspirational example of how to live.
What did I learn from my Dad?
Work hard. Do your best.
Enjoy life. Make the most of every moment.
Help others. Generously and selflessly share your time.
It’s okay to cry. Sincere empathy and sympathy for anyone is a gift from the heart.
Now, more than ever, we are all realizing how our personal lives and work are integrated. These lessons from our wise fathers apply not just to personal circumstances but also drive professional success. Change is a constant—and navigating that, based on our father’s advice, should be too.
Reference and additional #inspiration: