Fit and Flying at Fifty

Fit and Flying at Fifty

In the beginning

Steve (not his real name) was at a low ebb at the time he reached out for assistance. Whilst to an outside observer he was seemingly a successful professional at the peak of his professional powers, Steve was anything but happy with business or indeed, life generally.
A series of business challenges and setbacks had given Steve cause to question his direction. Steve’s method of handling these problems had fallen into avoidance. He would fly his plane, chat to his mechanic or otherwise hang out at the Aero Club – basically anything plane-related to escape the office. Should he sell up and get a day job? Alongside his business issues, Steve was overweight, demotivated and lacking self esteem.

In short, Steve was ready for some positive changes!

The process

Steve performed a candid self diagnosis in the form of a lengthy email to me, setting out his situation. It did not make for easy reading but I welcomed his request to undergo my personal planning program. As the next group workshop was some months away, we agreed he would work through the program solo, under my direction.

To his credit, Steve diligently applied himself to the task, completing each aspect of the material. Helpfully, the concise template I provided captured the outcomes of his reflection, to the point where we could discuss how his plan was developing. Post that discussion, Steve finalised and committed to a significant one page personal plan which I suggested should be shared with his spouse. This process required Steve to think deeply about what was important to him and to develop a schedule for the next 5 years of his life, setting out what he wanted to accomplish in his career, with his family and in other significant areas. With my encouragement, a cycling-based exercise regimen and the resolve to “Celebrate the wins” became the cornerstone of his turnaround.

The outcomes

Happily, Steve has not looked back since completing the program. Almost immediately, a series of remarkable improvements began to occur. Steve’s fitness improved out of sight, to the extent that he could contemplate physical challenges that greatly added to his motivation. Steve recommitted to his business, facing up to significant issues with fresh drive. It’s turned out that he loves chasing down the objectives set out in his plan.

“Celebrating wins” started with a memorable restaurant dinner with a colleague and respective partners to recognise completing a required course of study. Steve has since given himself permission to enjoy other milestones and achievements.
Rewardingly for me, Steve checked in 12 months on, to provide an update on his progress. Ironically, Steve is now spending more time in his plane than previously, only now it’s with a clear conscience because business challenges are addressed, not avoided. Courtesy of the quick release mechanisms on the seat and wheels, Steve is able to squeeze his bike onto the plane, happily enabling him to explore countryside further afield.

In tackling the business with fresh purpose, Steve rediscovered the sense of accomplishment that accompanied earlier phases of his career. Steve has also enjoyed international travel with his spouse, returning to work with energy levels topped up. He is altogether a more optimistic and resilient version of himself.

In his own words

Scott helped me with my personal goals and it has resulted in me improving all aspects of my life. I’m happier and healthier than I’ve been in a long time. I’m looking forward to lining up at a series of cycling events coming up, which is something I never would have thought possible.