Retirement, Business Planning, small business Marcus LaPointe Retirement, Business Planning, small business Marcus LaPointe

Make You Own Retirement

Your retirement is truly your business, but is it really enough to get you across the finish line comfortably? Perhaps not as much as you might hope. By creating a robust business, you not only pave the way for extra income but also build a retirement plan that keeps on giving, providing you with ongoing financial support well into your golden years.

Rewriting your retirement - Create a business that inspires your passion and funds your next move.

The common belief regarding the length of time it typically takes to achieve meaningful success is largely a myth. Many people think that success follows a specific set timeline, perhaps influenced by stories they’ve heard or examples they’ve seen, but the reality is that it can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including individual effort, opportunities, and personal circumstances.

The decades ago path of working diligently for 40 to 50 long years at a single job, while patiently waiting for the boss overlords to show any signs of genuine concern for the retirement package that was once promised to the ambitious flying car generation and excited visionaries, has certainly transformed considerably over the years.

Now, remote work—along with the remarkable return of the once-abandoned trades that had long been forgotten in our educational institutions—and a multitude of exciting entrepreneurial adventures now fill our conversations and humor our boundless imaginations. I genuinely and sincerely desire to see this transformation take shape in our lives too. These concepts, while not entirely new ideas, have taken on fresh significance and deeper implications in today's ever-changing world that we navigate. Remote work now carries a new, profound meaning, an evolution beginning with the haunting sounds of bullets flying in far-off foreign lands and extending to the regular daily trips to jobs outside our homes, all of which have been dramatically transformed by recent global events. Similarly, the trades—which were once integral to every school's curriculum but were subsequently neglected in favor of other subjects—are now being revitalized thanks to the introduction of newer and more advanced technologies, paving the way for an entirely new generation of skilled workers. Moreover, the realm of entrepreneurial endeavors that were previously concentrated significantly on the manufacturing sector and the noble task of building America has now shifted toward the dynamic and innovative selling of America itself. This transformation involves curating unforgettable, unique experiences for consumers that resonate deeply within our swiftly evolving society.

Evolving the society has not been an easy road and constant change mark the pains of change at regular intervals within the generational gaps. As our education levels have increased due to the college attendance push so has the needed education of our starting positions. This may sound great on the surface however it pushes younger aged persons out of the running and focuses on the older community to fill those spots. But is age the real factor? Is old age considered a drain on resources? All valid questions but not the main point.

Is old age really correlated with weakness anymore? In today's rapidly evolving world, the new retirement plans require both men and women to embrace the later years of their lives with fierce determination and unwavering confidence. With numerous advancements in healthcare, education, and lifestyle choices, we are now able to cultivate not only stronger bodies but also sharper minds, effectively challenging the traditional notions of aging that have long been accepted. As we navigate this exciting chapter of life, it’s essential to recognize that age does not define our capabilities but rather offers us new opportunities to thrive.

The 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle, suggests that 20% of actions yield 80% of results. Recognizing this can enhance productivity and goal achievement. Identify key areas in your life—such as projects or relationships—that deliver the most value. For instance, in your career, concentrate on the top 20% of projects that generate the highest returns. Evaluate daily activities to find which tasks bring the most satisfaction and progress. Learn to say no to less critical tasks, freeing time for what matters. Adopting the 80/20 Rule can transform your approach to responsibilities, allowing for a more fulfilling life with less effort.

Even with the new expectations and an internal passion to outsmart the conventional notions of retirement, the mindset shift is undoubtedly the real change that is currently taking place. Just recently, I had the opportunity to attend a network meeting with Work Our Network, where it was truly remarkable that not a single person brought up sales as their number one goal. Instead, the primary concerns revolved around passion and the deep desire to help others. Of course, achieving sales is essential in any business model, but what was truly fascinating is that problem-solving became the primary driving force behind the conversations. This reflects a significant evolution in how we view success and purpose in our professional lives.

Our primary purpose as we head into the future, amidst the numerous challenges brought on by recessionary struggles and the unsettling effects of inflation scare tactics, is to bolster and enhance the overall strength and resilience of entrepreneurship. Our goal is not only to help individuals and businesses survive during these trying times but also to empower them to thrive and achieve greater success in the long run.

3 Things to do NOW!

  1. Secure your business with credit building security and offensive capabilities to secure more business.

  2. Talk to a financial professional about getting to zero. Check out this book as the first step.

  3. Remove the frustration and tension of creating your story to be told. Spend time on your business by farming out your story to a ghost writer.

The future is not coming, it’s here.

Success is rarely a straight line; it's more like a winding road filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Embrace the journey, for every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. The bumps along the way teach resilience and ignite creativity. Celebrate the small victories and the lessons learned from failures, as each step—no matter how rocky—brings you closer to your goals. Remember, the climb may be steep, but with perseverance and a positive mindset, those scenic views at the summit will make the journey all the more rewarding.

Why are those 3 main todo items so important? We were once told to work hard and the company would take care of you - that died out with Enron scandal, and other company let downs. We were once told just buy a house and that will help you retire rich when you sell it and downsize to Florida - that crashed and burned. We were once told if you get a degree in anything you will be a CEO someday and make millions - that was false.

Catching the trend?

Entrepreneurship, in my mind, is undeniably the only truly positive tool that we can embrace and effectively utilize to create a brighter and better future for ourselves and our communities. It involves relying heavily on self-imposed planning, strategic thinking, and cultivating internal fortitude to reach the financial and personal goals you are ambitiously aiming for. This significant shift from having others manage or plan your retirement to taking that essential responsibility into your own hands requires a considerable amount of self-actualization, resilience, and personal accountability. Sadly, this is a challenging path that many people tend to avoid pursuing, often out of fear, uncertainty, or even doubt about what lies ahead in the entrepreneurial journey.

But not YOU!

If you are reading this, then I’m betting you are actively on your unique path to gain the upper hand on life and seize every wonderful opportunity that comes your way. Retiring is probably only a stepping stone to yet another exciting adventure, and that’s perfectly okay. The longer we are living, the richer and more meaningful our experiences become, which gives us ample time to level up again, again, and again. Embrace the journey, because each moment is a chance to grow and explore new horizons!

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