Live Life in Crescendo Summary

Living life in crescendo means believing that your greatest achievements and contributions lie ahead, no matter your age or circumstances.

1. Success Has Many Faces

Feeling stuck or questioning your path is common during midlife, often labeled as a midlife crisis. This unease can make you believe you've failed, but you may have achieved more than you realize in aspects that truly matter, such as relationships and personal growth.

George Bailey from the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a vivid reminder of this. He thought his life was insignificant until he saw the profound impact he had made on others. His story teaches us to define success in terms of influencing lives positively, rather than purely career milestones.

To rediscover what matters, ask yourself one simple question: what would you want people to say about you at your funeral? This reflective exercise strips away superficial concerns and focuses on what truly fulfills you. Aligning your goals with these answers can reinvigorate your present and future actions.

Examples

• George Bailey realizes his value lies in the relationships he's built and lives he's touched.
• Writing your eulogy can clarify your priorities and inspire meaningful adjustments.
• Prioritizing family and community-driven goals enriches personal fulfillment.

2. The Best is Always Ahead

Even if you’ve already accomplished a lot, adopting a "crescendo mindset" ensures you’ll wake up eager for what’s next. This belief can help you keep striving, creating, and contributing, irrespective of where you are in life.

Stephen R. Covey, inspired by his own philosophy, believed his important work was always ahead. Even after great success with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he added an eighth habit because he saw value in pushing beyond past triumphs and staying productive.

Cherishing human connections also lies at the heart of this principle. Taking a moment to share kind words, strengthening bonds, and recognizing the talents of others fosters not only their growth but your own. In fact, you’re never “done” when people and possibilities await your contribution.

Examples

• Stephen R. Covey’s Eighth Habit embodied his belief in future potential.
• Kindness, like a Japanese proverb says, can offer warmth even in bleak times.
• Building relationships and finding ways to support them energizes personal growth.

3. Overcoming Setbacks with Resilience

Setbacks test our patience and spirit, yet our response to them often shapes the rest of our lives. Rather than succumbing to despair, choosing optimism and purpose can create an opportunity for remarkable transformation.

Stephanie Nielson, a woman who survived a harrowing plane crash, faced incredible physical and emotional hurdles. She used her struggle to inspire millions by blogging about recovery and resilience. Similarly, Anthony Ray Hinton found new purpose even after decades of wrongful imprisonment, spreading hope rather than bitterness.

These stories illustrate how renewing faith, nurturing compassion, and helping others can unlock untapped strength. When life throws significant challenges, focusing on gratitude and purpose can help rewrite what follows.

Examples

• Stephanie Nielson channeled her challenges into a blog that touches millions.
• Anthony Ray Hinton found inspiration through faith and compassion on death row.
• Renewing purpose during hardship transforms difficulties into catalysts for growth.

4. Finding Your "Why" in Tragedy

Sometimes life takes away what we hold most dear, leaving us searching for meaning. Whether through personal loss or catastrophic change, finding a new "why" can be a way to not just survive but thrive again.

Dr. Chandrasekhar Sankurathri lost his entire family in a tragic plane bombing. Struggling through grief, he decided to dedicate his life to causes his wife and children cared about, establishing schools and hospitals in India that continue to uplift countless lives.

Finding your new "why" might involve looking outward and channeling your energy into helping others. The world is full of needs waiting for your unique skills, experiences, and talents.

Examples

• Dr. Sankurathri turned profound loss into purpose by building educational and health institutions.
• Volunteering or mentoring transforms personal grief into impactful service.
• Purpose-driven projects encourage stability and healing after disruption.

5. Redefining Retirement

Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. By continuing to work on projects or passions, you not only stay healthier but also create lasting fulfillment and contributions.

Research reveals that retirees who remain engaged, learning, and seeking goals experience better physical and mental health. The Japanese concept of "ikigai," or finding a reason for being, exemplifies how purpose influences longevity and happiness.

Whether through volunteering, writing, mentoring, or pursuing hobbies, the point is to keep your mental and physical systems active so you’re living rather than merely existing.

Examples

• Japanese elders practicing "ikigai" often live longer and report higher satisfaction.
• Retirees focused on community engagement enjoy lower depression rates.
• Pursuing a long-held passion after retiring cultivates a rich, purposeful life.

6. People Over Things

Relationships are far more lasting and impactful than material goals or achievements. Taking time to nurture bonds often leads to deeper satisfaction.

Covey emphasizes that a simple kind word can change someone’s day or life. Recognizing and valuing others helps you contribute meaningfully while forging enduring memories that bring mutual joy and inspiration.

Focusing on people—not possessions or titles—creates resilience and purpose. Families, friends, and communities are often the wells from which we draw strength to face challenges.

Examples

• Japanese wisdom reminds us that one kind word can warm three winter months.
• Family-centered goals create stronger, more fulfilling connections.
• Acts of kindness toward friends and strangers create ripples of positivity.

7. Forgiveness Heals and Frees You

Hanging on to anger or resentment holds back progress, while forgiveness clears the way for personal and emotional growth.

It took Ray Hinton years to let go of resentment over his wrongful conviction, but once he did, it transformed his outlook. Forgiveness, in this sense, is not just about absolving others—it’s about freeing yourself to focus on possibilities.

Whether forgiving others or yourself for mistakes, this act allows you to move forward with less emotional weight, creating room for optimism and progress.

Examples

• Forgiveness helped Ray Hinton find spiritual freedom on death row.
• Accessing forgiveness frees emotional energy for building a better future.
• Practicing forgiveness can strengthen relationships and personal growth.

8. Making Memories Creates Value

The moments you cherish will stand out far more than any material success. Investing in activities that build shared memories keeps relationships strong and your heart full.

Picasso and James Barrie both emphasized the power of memories. They become your roses in winter, supporting you during hard times and giving you joy when recalling shared experiences.

Focusing on shared adventures, love, and family binds us more closely to the people who matter. These memories include everything from a simple walk together to a grand group adventure.

Examples

• Family hikes or holidays create shared joy.
• Simple, meaningful conversations help strengthen connections.
• Documenting joyful events creates tangible memories that last a lifetime.

9. Purpose Drives Longevity

Having goals you’re passionate about doesn’t just feel good—it actually sustains you physically and emotionally. Goals give us a reason to get up every morning.

Tension between where you are and where you want to be fuels growth and ambition. You don’t need to change the whole world—just aim to serve others or improve one person's life, such as mentoring a youth or feeding a hungry family.

Purpose creates positivity, which in turn enhances your mental and physical well-being over time.

Examples

• Volunteering links individuals to longer, healthier lives.
• Mentoring young people creates multigenerational connections and hope.
• Setting personal goals ignites daily motivation and a sense of achievement.

Takeaways

1. Write down your life’s mission or purpose to align your actions with what truly matters.
2. Start a new project or habit at any age to give your days renewed meaning.
3. Actively build memories with loved ones to create shared joy and long-lasting connections.