I recently heard the story of Ray Boutwell, a 93-year-old man in retirement. While many folks enjoy their time being retired, Ray found himself so bored that he felt his obituary was writing itself. One would think that slowing down might be common for a 93-year-old, but Ray is anything but common. So instead of continuing his slow fade in retirement, he decided to start a business at 93 years young. Amazing.
Not only did Ray start a business, he went all in. Ray mortgaged his house to the hilt and drained his savings; his comment to that is “what is money, money is nothing.” While he had never been a business owner, Ray was once a baker, so naturally he opened a cupcake bakery. His family thought he was nuts and that it was a terrible idea.
This terrible idea is seemingly paying off, as business is booming, and his bakery often sells out. To top it off he just signed a lease on the space next door, not to expand the cupcake store, but to start making ice cream that will, in his words, rival Ben and Jerry’s. He also admitted “I am not your average guy”.
It’s great that Ray’s Boozy Cupcakes is successful, but more importantly what Ray has found through this whole endeavor is a purpose, and purpose is an incredible thing. Unlike the boredom he felt while being retired, Ray said during the interview that running his business was getting his blood flowing again. It has given him a spring in his step and even his younger employees comment that he is hard to keep up with!
Purpose is unique to each person. It’s what motivates you to get up in the morning. Some find purpose in developing meaningful connections with friends and family, others find purpose through spirituality, and some find purpose in their work. Some find their purpose in all these aspects of life.
If you are unsure of your purpose, take some time to really think about it. Ask yourself some questions. “What are my strengths?” “What am I passionate about?” “How do I better the lives of others?” Your answers will help identify your passions and guide you toward your unique purpose.
“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.” – Cecil Beaton
Have a purposeful weekend.
Vijay