Here is a chart you might find interesting. It shows the longevity of the founding fathers of the United States.
Take a closer look. The chart highlights something important.
via Dan Sullivan, Strategic Coach
During the time in question, males had an expected lifespan of between 35 and 40 years. In stark contrast, the founding fathers lived more than twice that long (except for Alexander Hamilton, who made the bad decision to embrace dueling).
I don’t believe this chart shows the disparity of “Haves” and “Have Nots”. Instead, it shows the importance of purpose. The Founding Fathers understood how important their efforts and ideas were (not only to their lives ... but also to the lives of the people who relied on them – and to future generations). They truly saw a bigger future and their part in its creation.
Common wisdom posits that a lot of longevity comes down to diet and exercise.
via SomeEcards
Clearly, sleep and stress management matter too. With that said, healthy mindsets potentially have the most significant impact on your health, well-being, and longevity.
Mindset Matters.
Dan Sullivan wrote an e-book called “My Plan for Living to 156”. His message was to stop being nostalgic about the past and anxious about the future.
Most people’s notion about how long they’ll live becomes an oppressive thought. They feel confined by their expected lifespan, often based on family history and averages. But what if you could extend your lifetime? What if you could increase the quality of the years you had left? How would adding extra years impact the way you live now?
The goal of living to 156 may sound outrageous. But in reading this book, you’ll find that imagination can have a huge impact on behavior and accomplishment. And, even if you don't make it to 156, the years you're left with will be better for it.
You don’t have to actually believe that you will live to 156 (or some other huge number). Simply adopting a mindset that you have extra time permits you to set longer-term goals and focus on bigger possibilities. As a result, those mindsets allow you to focus on continued learning and growth, rather than looking for an excuse or an easy off-ramp.
Purpose is a master key! It gives you direction, capabilities, and confidence.
As I think about these issues, I know that I want to be valuable and interesting to those around me as long as I’m here. That means I want to be healthy, fit, and vital as well! The reason? So I can focus on living ... rather than not dying.
I’ve heard it said many times, in many different ways, but one of the easiest ways to predict your life and lifestyle is to take the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Consequently, it’s important to surround yourself with people committed to bigger futures!
Likewise, it’s important to set goals and scorecards that keep you focused on what matters and continued progress.
Even if you don’t live until 156, I think it’s important and healthy to live now as if you will!
Onwards.
