The story behind the campaign

Personal fitness is one of my interests and I’ve found it helpful recently to get at least one big adventure on the calendar each year to assess myself, but more importantly give me a reason to do the physical work it takes to prepare. The most recent challenge was a multi-day backpacking trip in the mountains near Durango with some old friends. Along the way, between the trailheads, switchbacks, and catching our breath, we got to talk a bit about life in this second half that we’ve all entered. We came away from the trip agreeing that finishing well isn’t automatic, nor is it natural for us or the rest of mankind.

A Christian world view would argue that it’s only by a divine intervention, a divine sacrifice and divine grace that we are able to do what is unnatural. The same view also reminds us that, ‘to whom much is given much is required’. (Luke 12) These red letters have been with me ever since I first heard them in Baylor’s chapel service as a freshman; continuing their effect, teaching, rebuking, correcting and training me in those moments when ease and comfort were the natural options. Add to that calling, our human condition—that we are not all-knowing, actually blind in many areas—you can start to see how even believers can struggle to run their races well. That was my situation turning 50 and getting punched in the face during the pandemic. Happy to share the details with you sometime, but sum it all to say I became very aware that I was running blind.

By God’s grace, over the last six years I haven’t been as much fearful as I’ve been curious. I began asking questions of elders in my community, interviewing more than 100 people in their late 60s, 70s and 80s and advisors across the country in each realm of wellness – physical, financial, spiritual, relational & mental / emotional. I found opportunities to get trained and certified professionally in the areas where I saw gaps in the marketplace and began working jointly with pros who were already doing great work. Along the way, through lots of prayer and support, I was encouraged to trademark and launch what we came to call the Second-Half Hero^TM Campaign, an aspirational effort to recognize elders that inspire us, record their stories and encourage the next generation to become more curious about navigating their second half.

Among some of the fruit of the campaign so far is the creation of the only quick-reference guide or checklist that I know... available and designed to shine some light on navigating our second half, aligned with how research shows most people would like to finish.

Along one’s second-half journey, if they haven’t already, we hope and pray that our work will help more people discover that life is not about them or their glory. Although very natural, scripture and human history tells us that is not the way. The true stars that are shining among us, the heroes in our communities that inspire us with how to live and finish, are examples of consistently doing what is unnatural. Many of them know why and for whom they were born and everything else flows from this understanding. They aren’t perfect of course, but they are inspiring. So, if you’re not already curious or walking this journey with a small group in your own community, I invite you to join us as we stare down our 60s, 70s & 80s.

For your best!

-Brett

An Invitation

(choose your engagement level)

Level 1 - Get curious if you’re not already.

Review the Handbook and let me know what you think and if there’s an area or two where you’d like more information.

Level 2 - Lean in and be open to stress testing.

If you’re like most, you’ve done relatively well, you’re running at a pace that’s working for you, you have some support, but chances are you have one or two blind spots where you could run more efficiently if that’s a goal. You probably already have a community that you do life with and support each other. You may have a CPA, a primary doctor, a personal trainer, an investment advisor, an insurance pro, a counselor and maybe even a pastor that you work with.

Uncommon, however, is IF you’re fortunate to have a team that is working together to optimize your situation comprehensively and you still have questions. Inside this second-half campaign, you’ll get to meet professionals that I’ve worked with personally, who have counseled and coached me and my clients to better outcomes within their realm of wellness. And, in whatever area(s) you’re interested in getting more clarity (physically, financially, spiritually, relationally, mentally) our resource providers would work with your existing advisors, ask questions that you may never have been asked and level up the accountability and coordination for the race you’re running. Frankly, this is where I’ve seen eyes open, optimization occur and real impact from our work. Yes, there are fees involved at this level, anytime we’re accessing professional support, but not beyond the efficiencies gained and benefits that come from the process.

See below for some of our second-half approved resources:

Dr. Peter Attia

Dr. Attia is focused on the marginal decade, the final 10 years of someone's life. He's developed a “Medicine 3.0” framework to help his patients delay the onset of chronic disease later in life. When you have 15 minutes, listen to his '60-Minutes' interview here to get an idea of what one facet of the Second-Half Hero^TM Campaign is about.

Randy Kamp J.D., CPA

As CEO of KampCo Foods, Attorney and now Executive Partner with Magellan Executive Partners, Randy understands the challenge business owners have in balancing family life while growing their enterprise and developing their endgame. Randy advises executives and business owners in their second half, bringing a perspective that fosters finishing well.

Greg Gunn

Greg is the founder of Family-ID. In a world where 70-80% of families self-report that their family life is dysfunctional, Greg has helped more than 60,000 families discover how to foster a stronger family and more peace in the home.

Matt Streck

Matt is a trusted advisor to discerning families across the country. He brings an engineer's approach to financial planning and preservation. As a Certified Planner, he provides the highest levels of insight and detail to his plan designs.