You didn’t call it love. You called it a song you couldn’t stop playing. Maybe it was on your 1975 Camaro’s 8-track or blasting in your bedroom while you wondered how one person could occupy so much space in your head.
Years later, those first few notes bring it all back. For me, it’s Little River Band’s Reminiscing.
Instant time travel. You’re back in that Camaro with the windows down. Waiting for the phone with the long curly cord to ring. Standing at a school dance, pretending not to be nervous.
Back then, you had no idea how life worked, but you looked through the windshield with confidence, convinced the best was still ahead. Then life happened. You built a career, raised kids, made mistakes and learned what really matters.
Somewhere along the way, curiosity gave way to routine. Getting older is less about age and more to do with losing your curiosity. You stop asking questions. Stop challenging yourself. Stop leaning into leadership. You know your job, so you keep doing it.
But why?
Why not fall in love with your work again? Build a world-class appraisal department. Scale your appraisal firm. Mentor the next generation. Turn decades of experience into something bigger than yourself. Or start something entirely new.
As appraisers we often “play not to lose” but when do we give ourselves permission to “play to win?” Subtle distinction, which has a huge impact. It’s time to play bigger with everything you’ve learned.
Pause long enough to appreciate what you’ve built. Then make room for surprise. Take the trip. Call the old friend. Try something you’re terrible at. Find something that makes you excited about Monday morning.
Remember that younger version of yourself who couldn’t wait to see what happened next? They’re still in there. Give them something to look forward to.
Some songs never get old.
Maybe they’re here to remind us that we don’t have to either.