Today’s newsletter is different. We’re straying away from the business talk and going a little deeper. We’re zooming out.
I want to share a framework my grandfather shared with me 2 years ago on this very day. He called it 22x4. It’s a framework for life that’s broken up into 4 stages ~ 22 years in each stage. I’ve carried it closely with me ever since and I am ready to share it with you all.
22x4: 4 stages, 22 years . . .
Stage 1 = 0-21 👶🏼
➡ GROWTH and INVESTIGATION
Growth (physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc)
You grow up under your parent’s care and then start to grow more individually on your own
Filled with Learning = school (preschool, elementary, middle, high, and then college)
A lot of “Yes” answers to opportunities
Discovery of who you are, what you like, what you love, and what you’re passionate about
Stage 2 = 22-43 🧑🏼
➡ COMMITMENT and DELIVERY
A lot of hard work
Commitment to your relationship (marriage)
Commitment to your work (your passion)
Investing less of your time into what’s not fulfilling
Investing more into the things that matter and fill you up
The delivery stage of what you’ve learned in Stage 1 to your work and relationships
A lot more “No” answers
Kids? A home? Starting a family?
Stage 3 = 44-65 👨🏼
➡ FRUITFUL MATURITY
Seeing the fruit of your hard work in your job, relationships, family
Stabilization with your job and family
Continued work, but not as intense (direction and leadership over the “doing”)
Getting to see your kids grow up (cherish it!)
Stage 4 = 66-87 👴
➡ LEGACY and ENJOYMENT
Enjoying your time after work with family and friends
Retirement (go do the things you always wanted to do)
Cementing a legacy of you and your family
More “Yes” answers!
Pouring into the younger generation
Bonus = 88+ ❤
➡ CONTENTMENT and GENEROSITY
You are hopefully not too much of a burden — haha
Feeling content with how far you’ve come
Offering and pouring out wisdom onto others
Generosity when it comes to things like wisdom, time, and money
My grandpa says he remembers all the years of his stage one, but as time passed, the stages after became way more forgettable.
Let’s cherish the fun years while we’re young, but not lose sight of the larger picture. Don’t wait to pursue your dreams and chase what you are passionate about.
And when your time begins to run out, see your journey through a lens of gratitude. See how every stage (even every year) has played a part in leading you to where you are today. Look back and say, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
