When you can afford to quit, you can’t afford to quit.

Recently, I’ve been listening on podcasts to advice from John Maxwell, a leadership guru who has now produced more than 100 books that have sold more than 31 million copies worldwide. John defines leader as “one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

It seems to me, that a lot of living a life of significance is about developing good leadership skills. By the way, I’m not talking about being a boss. Most people with a title are a boss to or over other people, but frankly that doesn’t make them an effective or beneficial leader. There are good leaders and bad leaders—regardless of title.

From my perspective, leadership is the ability to create an appetite for others to follow. It’s about having a positive influence on others. As much as anything, it’s about being a good catalyst. And in that respect, it has nothing to do with who gets credit for it.

I think it’s about helping people see their possibilities. It’s letting them know that I value them. It leads to self-worth and helping them rise to a higher level. It helps a person feel empowered and it helps them apply their leadership and multiply. I would love it if others would say, I’m a better person because John Muckerman was in my life.

Now before you go and count yourself out because of your age, consider these other quotes from Maxwell:

—“We will be remembered more for our final moments than for our finest moments.”

—“Don’t impose a finish line on yourself. Keep stretching, learning, growing.”

—“Don’t let this season of life be your lid.”

—“When you can afford to quit, you can’t afford to quit.”

That last one in particular, really got me thinking, because that to me is when you do have the most to offer. The first challenge is not to buy into the baloney our culture preaches that basically says when you reach a certain age your usefulness has past; it’s time to be put out to pasture.

Frankly, I choose to not let the old man in. And I choose to endeavor to have a positive influence on my five kids and 14 grandkids, as well as other men that God has put in my life.

The combination of education and experience produces what is referred to as “crystallized intelligence” (aka: wisdom). Moreover, in the process of maturing, for most of us, there is a compounding effect. (Similar to the power of compound interest.)

We get to this incredible harvest time of life and then all of a sudden some people quit. When you quit at the harvest time of life, you never know what you lost or missed. You are quitting at the time when the greatest return is there, because of your crystallized intelligence and your influence. Now is the time to get a good return on investment for the good, the bad and the ugly experiences of your life. You are probably still approaching your peak.

I personally want to help men see their possibilities, help them feel empowered instead of defeated or useless. Just when real significance is in your reach, don’t turn your back on it. If you’re reading this you haven’t passed the finish line of life yet.

By the way, seeking to be a beneficial leader/catalyst and seeking significance doesn’t mean you won’t have time to fish anymore. In FATC and life in general, there are ample opportunities to do both. Maxwell also says, “Whatever we cling to diminishes; whatever we give away multiplies.”

Aristotle said, “The mind does not think without a vision.” The Bible says, “without a vision, the people perish.”

I suggest you start by asking God to give you the want to and a vision of what it would look like for you to be a beneficial leader/catalyst. Leave it up to God as to how far you can go.

As I was about to finish this post, an applicable Bible verse came to mind: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:7-10).

I realize people of different ages will be reading this, but I suggest you ask yourself, if it has application in your life, whatever your age. Unfortunately, you’re never too young to give up on people, your job and life in general. On the other hand, you’re never too young to be a good leader or catalyst. The constant is, you reap what you sow.

John Muckerman

FATC Inspirational and Leadership Studies Lead