Wake Up — There’s Still So Much Life to Live

There’s a saying I’ve always remembered: Don’t love sleep. It’s not just about getting out of bed — it’s about waking up to life. Waking up to purpose. Waking up to possibility.

When we’re young, we’re full of energy. We can run, move, push, and build. That energy isn’t random — it’s on purpose. Whether you believe in God, the universe, or biology, that energy is there for a reason: because there’s work to do. Real, meaningful work. You’re building your life — constructing your house, your community, your finances, your wisdom, your worldview.

And yet, somewhere along the way, many of us start chasing rest like it's the goal. We dream of retiring early, putting our feet up, and doing nothing — as if that’s the definition of success. But I don’t believe it is.

Success isn’t doing nothing. It’s being able to do something for as long as you possibly can. It’s waking up with purpose, with fire in your belly and clarity in your mind, and using whatever strength and time you have left to keep contributing, growing, and living.

At 50, I went back to school. At 60, I had earned my associate degree, my bachelor’s, and then my MBA. At 62, just a few days before turning 63, I became scuba certified. And here I am, pushing 67, working out daily, still and still working with 31 years on the job.

People ask me when I’m going to retire. I tell them — I’m already doing what I love. Why stop?

I love the rhythm of a payday. I love investing in my future with every hour worked. I love watching my 401(k) grow, my Social Security credits build, and my retirement years expand with purpose. That’s fun to me. That’s meaningful to me.

And I get it — not everyone feels that way. But maybe someone needs to hear this: There’s still more for you to do. At any age. At any stage. The world is still waiting on your contribution.

Opportunities aren’t always about what’s “out there.” They’ve often been around you all along — you just couldn’t see them yet. That’s what education does. Not just college education, but life education. Growth expands your vision. And when your vision expands, the world opens up.

So, don’t love sleep. Don’t chase comfort so hard that you miss your calling. Move. Learn. Build. Work your body. Work your mind. Work your purpose.

That’s why I create a Veterans Day Challenge every year. To push people — not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. To remind folks that energy is a gift and motion is medicine.

I’m not saying don’t rest. I’m saying don’t live like you’re already done when there’s still so much more to build, give, enjoy, and become.

So, wherever you are in life — get up. Wake up. You’ve got something in you the world still needs to see.

Peace and purpose to you,—Martin

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