The Grey Shirts of Decay

March 31, 2026

Middle age is an interesting life point. At this age, one should be at the Apex of life. Today I signed the largest employment contract of my life. Winning, right? Yet, it doesn't feel like a win. Why?

Well, life is more than just one Key Performance Indicator (KPI). Thus, I'm forced to ask myself: what are the other KPIs? Hmm, well, health in several forms: physical health, mental health, and significant other relationship health, family health, etc. Moreover, there is more… What about content, happiness, and all those feeling-emotional KPIs? Let's be honest, they all matter to overall well-being.

While I truly have hit an Apex in employment contracts, the other variables seem off. The scratchy throat I have today makes me question whether all of this is worth it. Therefore, the question arises: "What is the point?" Alan Watts stated, "The purpose of life is to live." Alright, Alan, great, but what is living? Is it mere existence? Is it being the workhorse for your family, job, etc., or is it something more?

As I ponder this, I'm left with another thought by Mr. Watts: life, dance with it…

Yesterday, as I was working the lanes, I looked to my right and saw two older men standing there. I'm guessing they were both in their late 50s to early 60s. Both were wearing grey t-shirts. Nearly standing side by side. Their protruding bellies caught my eye.

Not all Apexes are positive… Now, don't get me wrong. I'm sure these guys have made many sacrifices, and I will never condone judging anyone just on physical appearance, but I wonder how these men feel every day. Are bowling and beer the sole means by which they seek respite from the challenges of daily life? Perhaps I'm missing something, but as many don't want to admit, being out of shape is not an Apex of Truth; rather, it is a tale of slow decay or a broken operating system.

As I stare at my belly in the mirror these days, looking for lines that suggest an increase or decrease in visceral fat, I'm left thinking about what the true aim of this company is: the search for Truth. How do we find the highest performance of our years? Now, I'm not encouraging everyone to be a bodybuilder, but letting our bodies slowly rot is just as sad—or sadder—than the decaying vehicles of our youth.

If today's thoughts resonate with you, I encourage you to follow my journey as "Client Zero"; let's build together.