From Order to Chaos: Why Planning Without Preparation Fails Men Over 50

January was shaping up to be one of my best months yet. I’d set the tone for 2025 with a solid plan (following the ideas shared in multiple newsletters starting with issue #109), diving into execution with full force. My energy and resilience were at an all-time high. I was on track—feeling unstoppable. Everything seemed to be clicking. I’d joined the Argent Alpha monthly challenge, committing to staying alcohol-free, getting in daily movement, and diving into my reading. Oura ring scores were rising, momentum was building, and I could feel it.

Then, out of nowhere, it all came to a screeching halt.

Illness hit. Fever, aches, cough, low energy—it knocked me flat. No one likes being sick, especially when you’re riding high and everything feels like it’s going your way. I’m just starting to pull out of it.

This is where the difference between planning and preparation comes in:

• Planning is based on the expectation of order—mapping out a clear path and assuming events will line up just right.

• Preparation, on the other hand, is based on the expectation of chaos—knowing full well that life can (and will) throw you curveballs, and being ready to adapt when it does.

I had a plan for January—everything was going smoothly. But I also had a framework in place to prepare for the unexpected. That’s what kept this setback from completely derailing me. Curveballs are inevitable; it's how you respond to them that matters.

So, what now? I’m not stressing. I’m not dwelling. Setbacks are part of the process, especially for us men over 50 who've seen our share of life’s unpredictability. But I thought I’d share a few lessons from this week that might help if you hit a similar bump in the road.

Acknowledging the Strong Start

Despite the setback, I’m still focused on the bigger picture. January was a strong start to the year, and I’ve been working through my 2025 planning—getting specific about my goals and diving into execution. That momentum was there, and it’s just a temporary pause.

This is another reason why planning (and preparation) is so important for men our age. As Dan Sullivan says, “The only way to make your present better is to make your future bigger.”

I’ve created a big future for myself, and I’m excited about it, which is why this setback is nothing more than a small speed bump. If I didn’t have a clear vision for where I’m heading, this would feel a lot more defeating. But because I’ve taken the time to map out (and prepare for) my future, I’m able to handle the bumps along the way with a sense of perspective and optimism.

The momentum was strong, and while I’m off-track right now, I know I’ll get back on. That’s the power of having a plan—and the flexibility of preparation. Even when life throws a curveball, your bigger goals can keep you moving forward.

Lesson #1: Rest and Recovery – Your Job When You're Ill

When you’re sick, your routine has to change. It’s not about pushing through and trying to keep everything on track. It’s about prioritizing your health and giving your body the time it needs to heal.

• I’m not working out right now, and I’m not even thinking about getting my steps in.

• I’ve shifted my focus to recovery, and that's my job for the moment.

• The key is to allow yourself that grace—your body is telling you to rest, and you need to listen.

It doesn’t matter if you’re ahead on some things or have plans in place; sometimes the best thing you can do for your long-term health is to give yourself a break.

Remember: Recovery is just as important as progress. It’s not a setback—it’s part of the process. Giving yourself permission to rest is what helps you come back stronger in the long run, a lesson we often forget as we age.

Lesson #2: Plan B – Flexibility is Key

Life doesn’t always go as planned, especially as you get older. As much as we try to map everything out, sometimes things get derailed. The key is to have a Plan B—and if that doesn’t work, be ready to adapt again.

• In my case, getting sick was a curveball I wasn’t expecting. But rather than staying frustrated about what I couldn’t control, I reminded myself: Is this a challenge or an opportunity? It might be both, but I choose to see it as an opportunity to reset, learn, and come out of it even stronger.

• When life throws you a curveball, flexibility is essential. You’ve got to be willing to adjust your approach, whether it’s about your fitness goals, career plans, or personal development. The key isn’t getting stuck in the “I can’t do this right now” mindset—it’s asking yourself how you can reframe the situation and use it to your advantage.

The takeaway: The setback may have interrupted my rhythm, but it’s also giving me the chance to practice patience, flexibility, and resourcefulness. These are the same skills we need more of as we navigate the later chapters of our lives.

Lesson #3: Perspective – There’s Always Someone Worse Off

When you’re dealing with a setback, it’s easy to get caught up in your own struggles. But sometimes, the best way to regain focus is to put things into perspective.

I’ve been reminded of this through a story from a close friend of mine. He lost his home in the California fires. His house is gone, his kids’ school is gone—they thought they’d be back the next day after evacuating, only to find everything wiped out. It’s hard to imagine the emotional toll that takes. Yet, despite the devastation, he’s been nothing short of inspirational. His family is safe, and though it’s a huge loss, he sees this as a temporary setback. He’s already focused on the next steps, knowing they’ll come back stronger than ever.

The lesson here: There’s always someone in a worse situation. It doesn’t minimize my own setback, but it does help me see the relative difference. When you look around, your own challenges start to feel smaller, more manageable. Instead of getting bogged down by frustration, you can tap into gratitude and perspective, knowing your setbacks are just part of the bigger journey we're all on.

Lesson #4: The Power of Small Wins

When everything grinds to a halt, it can feel like you’ve lost control. But even in the middle of a setback, focusing on small wins can make a huge difference, especially when you're over 50 and every victory counts.

This week, I’ve made it a point to celebrate the small things I can still do.

• Journaling daily

• Prioritizing sleep

• Staying hydrated

• Eating high-quality foods despite lower calorie intake

• Planning the comeback

These may seem like minor details, but they keep me on track and remind me that I haven’t lost all momentum.

Small wins keep you grounded when bigger goals are out of reach. They’re the little steps forward that help you stay focused, even if you’re moving slower than you’d like. In moments like these, every bit of progress—no matter how small—counts.

Final Thoughts and Looking Forward

Even with the setbacks, I’m still excited about what’s ahead. In fact, I might be more excited. The future is big, and I’ve got a clear vision for where I’m going. This bump in the road is just that—a bump, not a dead end. I’m taking this time to reset, to learn, and to come back stronger.

This journey is about progress, not perfection. Whether it’s overcoming illness, handling the unexpected, or pushing through the day-to-day grind, the key is to stay focused on the bigger picture. Life will throw curveballs—that’s inevitable. But how we respond? That’s up to us, and with the wisdom of age, we can choose better.

The Power of Community: One of the greatest things I’ve found through Argent Alpha is the power of community. When you have a group of like-minded men supporting you, you’re able to weather any storm better. The storms don’t necessarily decrease, but your ability to handle them increases. Your resilience improves. That’s why having a community isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity when it comes to staying strong and focused as we level up with each year.

I’m looking forward to what’s coming next—our upcoming Live event in Scottsdale in late April 2025, and the optional Grand Canyon hike, which will be led by one of our founding members. These experiences are just a part of the bigger picture I’ve been planning for 2025. And I’m more excited than ever to see it all unfold.

So, if you’re facing your own setbacks, remember this: it’s not about how many times you fall down, it's about how you get back up and keep moving forward. The future’s waiting. Let’s go get it.

A Note for the Women Who Want You Around

Not everyone reading Harder To Kill is a man over 50. Many of you are wives, daughters, or sisters who want the men in your life to stick around for the long haul. You see his current habits and behaviors, and you know he’s at risk.

So, if you’re a man over 50 and a woman in your life gently suggests making some changes—take the hint. She cares about you. And here’s your next step: apply to Argent Alpha. We specialize in helping men over 50 make their remaining years their best years. If that sounds like a future you’d like to live, we’re here to help you build it.