What if you planned to live to 156 years old? That’s the question Dan Sullivan asks readers to consider in his book, My Plan for Living to 156. At first, the premise might sound outrageous or whimsical. But as I dug into the book, I realized it wasn’t about the literal goal of living to such an extraordinary age. Instead, it’s about how imagining a longer life can transform the way we live today.
Sullivan’s core idea is simple but profound: if you plan for a long, vibrant life, your daily decisions will reflect that mindset. It shifts the focus from merely preparing to die to actively creating a better future. For me, this book was an eye-opener, not just as a thought experiment but as a practical guide to rethinking how I live. In this article, I’ll share my unique takeaways and how this philosophy has shaped my journey so far.
One of the most powerful lessons from My Plan for Living to 156 is that your future isn’t something that just happens—it’s built by the choices you make today. Sullivan challenges the idea of blaming bad luck for negative outcomes and instead points to how our decisions, often made unconsciously, create the lives we live.
I saw this play out in my own life. For years, I made jokes like, “If you see me running, join me because something is chasing me,” all while my weight crept up to 265 pounds. At the time, I didn’t connect the dots between those quips and the consequences they reflected: I wasn’t taking care of myself.
But about a decade ago, I decided to make a change. I began prioritizing my health, hitting the gym four times a week and signing up for 5K races several times a year. These days, I also run with local running clubs and have completely transformed my body composition. I’ve lost over 65 pounds, improved my strength, and now run an 8-minute mile—a far cry from where I started.
This transformation wasn’t just about fitness. It was a mindset shift. Like Sullivan suggests, I began thinking of these actions as investments in my future self. Each decision—whether it’s lacing up my running shoes or showing up at the gym—shapes the healthier, happier future I’m building every day.
Sullivan is also vocal about the downsides of traditional retirement. He sees it as a societal construct that often signals the end of purpose and activity. Instead, he encourages people to stay engaged and continue doing meaningful work throughout their lives.
As a business owner, I completely resonate with this idea. Owning my business means I’ve never really understood the concept of retirement in the first place. Yes, there are times when I joke that my boss is terrible and won’t leave me alone, but the truth is, I love what I do. Over the years, I’ve intentionally shifted the focus of my work, eliminating tasks I don’t enjoy and doubling down on what I love.
This continual refinement means my work feels less like a job and more like an extension of who I am. As Sullivan suggests, it’s this ability to adapt and stay purposefully active that keeps life interesting and fulfilling. I don’t see myself ever stopping because I’m always finding new ways to enjoy what I do—and to stop doing what I don’t. This ongoing evolution makes the future exciting and something I look forward to creating.
Another key insight from My Plan for Living to 156 is Sullivan’s concept of ever-expanding happiness. He argues that every day, we can take actions that create a brighter, more joyful future. This practice isn’t about achieving a static sense of happiness—it’s about building a life that continuously gets better over time.
I’ve experienced this firsthand in both my personal and professional life. In fitness, milestones like running a 29-minute 5K are tangible markers of progress, but the true joy comes from knowing I’m investing in a future filled with vitality. In my business, each year I spend refining my work ensures that I’m not only enjoying what I do today but also setting the stage for an even better tomorrow.
This approach to happiness is empowering. It reminds me that every choice I make, no matter how small, has the potential to improve my life down the line. Whether it’s a healthier meal, a challenging workout, or a strategic business decision, I see these as stepping stones to a life that’s constantly expanding in fulfillment and joy.
Dan Sullivan’s My Plan for Living to 156 offers a simple but transformative perspective: your future is shaped by how you live today. For me, this book validated the changes I’ve made in my own life and inspired me to think even bigger about what’s possible. Whether it’s prioritizing health, redefining work, or cultivating happiness, the principles in this book are both practical and profound.
I encourage you to read this book—not because you need to plan for an actual 156-year lifespan, but because it will challenge you to think differently about your present and future. What choices can you make today that will create a better tomorrow? Sullivan’s ideas remind us that the future is ours to build, one decision at a time.