On 5 October, I turned 50 years old. I never really thought of the big “5-0” as a significant mile marker in my life, but as the date got closer, people around me started making it a big deal. As one friend put it, I was getting ready to tee off on the "back nine” of life. It was time to think about the mark I've made on the world and consider what I could accomplish in the next five decades.
Like most of my EO friends, I live a pretty good life. I have a good work-life balance, a great family, and there is little we want that we don't already have. In the months leading up to my birthday, my wife kept asking me what kind of gifts I would like. I put off my response, unsure of what I wanted— did I really need anything? It wasn’t until one early morning that it dawned on me: What I wanted could not be bought; what I wanted was something more precious than presents. I wanted to give back.
That morning, I began to think of my friends, many of whom endured big challenges in the past few years. I thought of fellow EO member Neil Balter and his wife, whose six-year-old son was diagnosed with autism three years ago. I thought of my business partner who battled—and beat!—prostate cancer. I thought of my son's 16-year-old friend, Ryan, who had just been told that he needed another round of chemotherapy to fight off Hodgkins Lymphoma. What could I do to help these people out?
As my wife planned for my birthday bash, I knew that everyone who had been invited would bring the standard presents—wine, cigars and sweatshirts. While all of these gifts are thoughtful, I knew I’d end up with 30 bottles of wine I’d never drink, cigars I’d never smoke and sweatshirts I’d never really wear. I knew I needed to give gifts to others rather than get my own, so I pulled out my notebook and wrote the following: “Turning 50 … this is my chance to make the world a better place.”
With this goal in mind, I laid out three goals: raise money for autism and cancer, make this year special for my mom, and do something great for Ryan. Those goals set in motion a charitable plan that manifested into positive results. To realize the first goal, I decided to ask all party guests to donate to a good cause in lieu of giving me gifts. I even offered to match every dollar that they donated. For my second goal, I wanted to give my mom a memorable experience, so I bought a plane ticket for her sister, who lives in South Africa and was visiting the US, so she could fly to Vancouver, Canada, where they celebrated a special reunion.
Last but not least, I wanted to do something special for Ryan. He's an unbelievable 16-year-old with an unbreakable spirit, and it just so happens he’s a huge hockey fan. When I mulled over ideas with my son, he suggested we get him an autographed jersey from his favourite hockey player. This is one of those times when it’s great being an entrepreneur— I called a contact in the hockey industry, and a week later an autographed jersey arrived with a message from Ryan’s hero. It said: "To the toughest kid in hockey!”
So what did my fiftieth birthday teach me? That giving is the greatest gift in the world, and you really do get back 10 times more than you ever give. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the whole “me” mindset, where everything you do impacts your personal and professional life. I’ve learned it’s necessary to take a step back once in awhile, look at how blessed you are and find ways to make other people’s lives better. Also, that when you create a plan to inspire those around you, you’re making the world a better place. Whatever your goal is, I can tell you giving back is the best present you'll ever get.