#38: The Power of Mini-Retirements

newsletter Nov 18, 2024

Going to explain, using examples, the concept and power of "Mini-Retirements", and why central to building your life book.

Accidentally Ran a (half) Marathon in Lebanon

Never thought those words would come out of my mouth. I'm not a runner. I prefer to lift heavy weights at 4am. But I somehow became a serious one for a day on a "mini-retirement" to Beirut.

I like to join running or hiking groups, or volunteer, as means to engage local community. Part of Try Life On means learning and feeling life through the eyes of people in other communities, home or abroad. I'm not one for being a typical tourist.

In this case I flew to Lebanon on a Wednesday from Washington DC, arriving Thursday. Met up with my group to run a 5k at 5:30am on Saturday by the Mediterranean Sea coastline. That's all I intended to do, run a 5k (3.2 miles).

Note: I traveled hacked this. Lose the notion travel is always expensive. This was cheaper than a weekend out in DC. That mentality robs you of experiences. Find a way.

With the encouragement of friends, just kept running. Paid no attention to distance, no attention to anything. I was in a personal zone with such beautiful, spirited people in a beautiful place at my favorite time of day, early morning. To be frank, was just happy. I thrive around people who live life full out.

Later on my apple watch made a sound not heard before. Looked down and it said "13.2 miles - half marathon". Damn!! Pushed by tribe, a half marathon (21.1 km) without realizing it.

The 'Mini-Retirement' Concept

That look on my face is because I knew a page in my life book was written. Was in awe of the moment. And it all happened because of an intentional mini-retirement. I've been using this tactic since my early 20s, but formally since reading a blog by Tim Ferriss' around 2008.

'Mini-immersive' episodes - new things, places, emotions
NOT deferring experience for a one time 2-week vacation
Anti-stagnation. Anti-rat race. Anti-default happy hours

Over my working career, was always taking short, immersive excursions to learn things, indulge in the world, engage good people, eat excellent food, have new emotions (this is key to anti-stagnation). Sometimes local, many times international. Reading books in Turkey, dog sledding with Sami people in Arctic Finland, sailing in Croatia on the Adriatic Sea, nature bathing in US national parks - each being just a few days then right back to work.

Can't say exactly but I estimate from graduating college in 1997 to 2021 when I left work, did so 200+ times. Rarely told co-workers anything, family too for that matter.

Would leave the Washington DC area Wednesday night, for example, come back on Sunday (shorts ones) or would take intentional leaves of absences (1 month - 2 years) to do things like volunteer in a refugee camp in Greece for 2 months.

This all led to 90+ countries and 100s of US cities later, infinite experiences and stories, friendships I cannot live without.

The most important thing I want to get across, however, was not deferring those experiences to that arbitrary retirement age of 65. Why?

Life is and feels different in your 20s, 30s and 40s. You cannot get it back. Waiting until you're 50 or 60 is not ideal.

In my case, deferring life would have robbed me from the beautiful experience of an accidental marathon and the memories that go with it.

Life is meant to be practiced

The default way of living after 5pm - happy hours, networking events, conferences. Sometimes necessary, many times unnecessary posturing. That is time wasting.

When you focus on living with intention, you master a skill. The 'Life is not a destination, it's something you practice' skill. One day you realize you don't need to unplug anymore because now it's your normal life. Your skillset, mindset and soul set have evolved.

In all of this, the key was keeping quiet at work. Since I never told anyone, I didn't have pressure of external judgement, scrutiny or interference. And that made it very easy to Try Life On for the past 27 years. I want it to be easy for you too.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

- Maurice

P.S. Unsettled in Lebanon

I get lots of questions about Lebanon and how it became home after my initial visit in November 2019. Truth is Lebanon chose me. Even with current events and turmoil its people and the surrounding region are facing, I found personal peace there.

On November 22nd, I'll be participating in a conversation about what makes Lebanon so unique as part of my role as a Global Advisory Board Member for Unsettled. It will touch country dynamics, lifestyle, and the impact of the conflict on my part-time home.