(ROPHO — Life, Loyalty & Emotional Rollercoasters)

This post was supposed to be a follow on from last week, how my weekly planner was working, short answer it’s not, all my plans were changed, hospital appointments for our daughter, weather, and last minute requests from clients.

So, we will see if my considered laid out plans for next week, already scribbled on planner will work, I will keep you updated.

Sunday was a big day in the Kerton household, football fans may be aware of the rivalry between Southampton and Portsmouth.

On the South Coast it’s a big deal, so at 12pm on Sunday ( I still like a 3pm kick off on a Saturday), I was sat in front of our television poised to enjoy a Southampton victory.

It doesn’t matter who the opposition is, I am always convinced we will win, even if we’ve been on a six match losing run.

Maybe it’s foolish optimism, but it is what a supporters life is all about.

For the record, the score was 1-1 but we should have won (for any Pompey fans I’m only joking).

Being a supporter of a sports team, whatever the sport, is a complicated relationship.

Sport is meant to be fun, and playing it certainly was for me when I was younger, especially football, which I was reasonably good at on my day.

Supporting a football team, however, is something else entirely.

It’s emotional, It’s irrational, and at times, I’m fairly sure it’s not entirely healthy.

---

It started with my father… and confusion

My father was a lovely man in so many ways, but he was strange in one way, because!

He supported both Southampton and Portsmouth.

Even now, I find this completely baffling.

He lived in Swanmore, a village almost perfectly placed between the two cities. He lost his father at just 14 years old, and by his own account would go to matches with different uncles or friends, sometimes to The Dell, sometimes to Fratton Park.

Over time, he became fond of players rather than clubs.

To him:

• Jimmy Dickinson was the best player he had ever seen
• Terry Paine was the finest crosser of a ball, and should have played far more for England

Club loyalty, as we understand it today, wasn’t quite the same then.
It was about heroes, moments, memories.

---

Becoming a Saints supporter, whether I liked it or not

My dad, grandad and grandmother started taking me to The Dell when I was about six years old.

That was it, the decision was made, fate sealed.
This is where my journey as a Southampton supporter began, not through logic or choice, but through family, habit, and repetition.

And once football gets into you at that age, it never really leaves.

---

What does being a supporter actually mean?

Being a supporter means different things to different people.

Some go to every game.
Some go occasionally.
Some watch on TV.
Some listen on the radio.
Some follow obsessively online.

But nearly all of us invest far more than time or money,we invest emotion.

Call me mad, but a good or bad result can genuinely affect:

• My mood
• My outlook
• My patience
• My optimism
• And yes, sometimes my decision-making for the week ahead.

I’m convinced I’ve been more generous, more forgiving, and more optimistic on a Monday morning because Matt Le Tissier scored an unbelievable goal on Saturday.

I may even have given pay rises to people who didn’t deserve them.

(I’m not saying it definitely happened… but I’m not denying it either.)

---

Why do we put ourselves through it?

Supporting a football team, especially one like Southampton, teaches you many things:

• Loyalty without guarantees
• Hope in the face of logic
• Acceptance of disappointment
• Occasional moments of pure, unfiltered joy (1976 FA Cup winners).

And those moments, make it all worthwhile.

A last-minute goal, a derby win, a season where everything clicks, a player who becomes a legend.

They stay with you far longer than the defeats.

---

Football, ageing, and perspective

As we get older, something changes, we still care deeply, but perhaps with more perspective.

We’ve seen relegations, promotions, heartbreak, miracles.

We’ve learned that football mirrors life:

• You don’t always get what you deserve
• The journey matters more than the result
• Loyalty doesn’t guarantee happiness, but it gives meaning

And yet… I still check the score far too often, still feel that lift or drop in the stomach.
I still let it influence my weekend mood, some habits die hard.

---

So… joy or punishment?

The honest answer?

Both,

Supporting Southampton FC has given me:

• Frustration
• Disappointment
• Questionable weekends

But it’s also given me:

• Shared experiences
• Family memories
• Stories
• Identity
• Belonging

And at this stage of life, that matters.

---

Final thought

Football isn’t just football,It’s memory, connection, routine, emotion.

And if occasionally it ruins your weekend, or improves your mood enough to hand out undeserved pay rises — so be it.

That’s part of the deal.

 
 

---

Key Financial Numbers Every Small Owner Should Track

How revenue, profit, cash flow, debt and customers quietly shape your income, stress and future.

Most small business owners don’t fail because they’re bad at what they do, they fail because they don’t know what their numbers are really saying.

You can be busy all day, win customers, and still quietly slide towards trouble.

The truth is, just five financial numbers decide whether your business is growing, stalling, or heading for stress.

Understand them, and you gain clarity, confidence, and control.

Ignore them, and you’re guessing, and guessing is expensive.

1. Revenue – “Is money coming in?”

Revenue tells you whether the business is moving forward or standing still. 

Key numbers: 

• Total revenue 

• Revenue growth rate 

• Gross margin 

• Net revenue 

These tell you whether sales are increasing, declining, or flatlining, and whether what you sell actually leaves money behind after costs. 

Busy is not the same as profitable, revenue helps you spot the difference. 

2. Profitability – “Are we keeping enough?” 

Lots of businesses look successful… and quietly lose money. 

Profit metrics reveal whether the model works. 

Key numbers: 

• Gross profit margin 

• Operating profit margin 

• Net profit margin 

• Return on sales 

• Return on assets 

If these are weak, the business is fragile, no matter how many customers you have

3. Cash Flow – “Can we pay the bills?”

You can be profitable and still go bust. 

Cash flow shows whether money arrives in time to cover expenses. 

Key numbers: 

• Operating cash flow 

• Free cash flow 

• Cash flow margin 

• Net cash flow 

Cash flow problems are the number one killer of small businesses. 
Not lack of customers, lack of timing. 

4. Debt – “Are we borrowing safely?”

Debt isn’t bad, Uncontrolled debt is. 

Key numbers: 

• Total debt 

• Net debt 

• Debt-to-equity ratio 

• Debt-to-assets ratio 

• Cash flow to debt ratio 

These tell you whether your business is supported by borrowing or strangled by it.

5. Customers – “Are they worth what we spend?”

Every business runs on customers, but not all customers are profitable. 

Key numbers: 

• Customer acquisition cost (CAC) 

• Customer lifetime value (CLV) 

• Repeat purchase rate 

• Engagement 

If it costs £100 to win a customer who only spends £80, no amount of marketing will fix that.

How to choose the right numbers for your business

There is no universal set of KPIs. 

The best ones: 

• Link to your goals 

• Are easy to measure 

• Are reviewed regularly 

• Help you make decisions 

Start with just a few, track them monthly, look for patterns. 

That’s when clarity appears.

The real benefit

Financial KPIs are not about control for its own sake. 

They are about: calm, confident decision-making. 

When you know your numbers: 

• stress drops 

• decisions improve 

• the future feels less uncertain 

And that’s what ROPHO business is really, about building something that supports your life, not consumes it. 

For more detailed information on KPI’s including (more in depth) Finance KPI’s, Sales & Marketing KPI’s, Customer Services KPI’s, Operational and Project KPI’s etc.

🥩 Top 10 Protein-Rich Foods (in the UK) 

1. Chicken breast – Lean meat with very high protein (30–32 g per 100 g cooked), versatile in many dishes. British Nutrition Foundation 

2. Tuna (canned or fresh) – Excellent source of protein (25–27 g per 100 g) and low in fat.  

3. Salmon – – High in protein (21–25 g per 100 g) plus omega-3 fats.  

4. Lean Beef  – – Red meat offering (22–31 g protein per 100 g).  

5. Eggs – Whole eggs deliver, 12–14 g protein per 100 g (about 6–7 g per egg), great for breakfast or snacks. British Nutrition Foundation 

6. Greek yogurt  – Dairy rich in protein (Greek yogurt 7-10 g per 100 g ) and good for snacks.  

7. Cheddar or Parmesan cheese – Hard cheeses can contain 25–33 g+ protein per 100 g, though watch portion sizes due to fat.  

8. Tofu / Tempeh / Soy products – – Plant-based proteins with 12–20 g per 100 g depending on type — excellent vegan alternatives. 

9. Lentils & Chickpeas (pulses) – Cooked pulses provide ~7–9 g per 100 g and add fibre and nutrients. British Nutrition Foundation+1 

10. Nuts & Seeds (e.g., almonds, sunflower, pumpkin) – Around ~18–24 g protein per 100 g; great for snacks, but higher in calories. British Nutrition Foundation

🥗 Quick Tips 

• Mix animal and plant proteins for a balanced diet and to get a variety of nutrients. British Nutrition Foundation 

• If you’re vegetarian/vegan, focus on soy products, tempeh, tofu, pulses, seeds and nuts.  

• Dairy like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are especially good snacks between meals.  

As always if you have certain health conditions, or are unsure what’s best for you, make sure you consult with your health professional or your nutritionist.

If you have any recipes for high protein meals I would love to give them a try, please share, complete with cooking instructions.

Thank you in anticipation.

As with all my lists this is not definitive, just my list, if you have a protein source you use, please share with us.

ROPHO — Health, Movement & Feeling Alive Again

We aren’t designed to sit still all day, although modern life makes it very easy to do exactly that (and boy! did I do that for a while). 

As we get older, moving more isn’t about six-packs or marathons.
It’s about independence, confidence, and the ability to enjoy life fully.

Here are 10 gentle reasons to get your body moving more, starting today:

---

1. Mobility = Freedom

Being able to get up, bend, carry shopping, travel, play with grandkids, movement keeps us independent.

2. Boosts Energy

Strangely, doing more gives you more.
Even a 20–30 minute walk increases stamina over time.

3. Protects Heart Health

Light cardio supports circulation, lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart issues.

4. Strength Maintains Muscle

After 50, muscle loss speeds up, unless we challenge it.
Resistance training is your best friend here.

5. Improves Mood

Movement releases endorphins, nature’s antidepressants.
Walk in daylight and get a double benefit.

6. Better Sleep

Gentle exercise helps you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.

7. Weight Control (without dieting misery)

Small movement consistently beats intense workouts occasionally.

8. Supports Joint Health

Staying active keeps joints lubricated, reduces stiffness and pain.

9. Confidence in Your Body

Feeling stronger affects how you stand, walk, think, posture is power.

10. Quality of Life

Movement isn’t just exercise, it’s life.
More energy means more experiences.

You don’t need a gym.
You just need to start.

Walk, Stretch, Lift light weights, Garden, Dance

Movement is movement.

Launching a new business after 60 isn’t neat or easy. A real week of website struggles, client wins and powerful business lessons.

---

Well, what a week this is turning out to be, my first foray into creating my own blog/website, finally launching last Thursday and as I’ve said, it’s not perfect and I have certainly had a few glitches on the technical side. 

But on the plus side it will evolve and improve as I learn and improve my skills. 

Writing is one thing creating the website from scratch, including all the seo, templates, themes etc is another thing altogether and has been quite the challenge. 

Yesterday I was on firmer ground visiting two of my existing clients. 

Raining again, I had decided to catch the train as parking at my second client is a challenge, although it does add to my daily step count as I always end up parking over a mile away (the railway station is actually closer to the business.) 

I arrived at my first client absolutely soaked to the skin; the purpose of this visit was to provide basic sales training for their new enthusiastic young B2B salesman. First section laughingly was on presentation, looking and sounding professional, ironic considering my bedraggled look, next time I’ll be back in my car. 

My client is a family run Manufacturing company and is now a very different proposition to when we first met, just over three years ago.  

The company had poor cash flow, poor production procedures, they were selling mainly to the general public, with old fashion brochures and weak management structure, they were struggling to stay afloat, covid lockdown had also hit them hard. 

However they had a number of terrific qualities, the owner in his sixties had enthusiasm and energy to burn, his sons are also very enthusiastic but wanted to take the company in a different direction embracing technology, but father was resistant to change. 

Fast forward to today they now have a sustainable, profitable business with solid foundations and enjoying a managed steady growth, with two distinct pathways to market. One still direct to local customers, the other business to business B2B selling into the construction industry, builders and developers in the high-end luxury market. 

I have just talked the founder of this business into co-writing a case study of how we turned this company into what it is now. 

 A warts and all recollection of changes made, some of which were very painful, some changes didn’t work, some worked slowly and evolved, hopefully this study/article will show that there is no magic dust, but with hard work and commitment and flexibility you can achieve success. 

 (Timeline to collate info and write study 2-3 months, due to owner now able to take a very long holiday.) I will literally keep you posted. 

Yesterday’s visit brought me back to the very start, I walked into an almighty row with one of the sons, the quality manager and the owner of one of their installation teams. 

A job has obviously gone very wrong, after consulting with son it was obvious that their hiring procedure, I had originally put in place, had not been followed to the letter of the law, and subsequently this installation team hadn’t been vetted correctly. 

Please check business section on why bad hires can cost you dearly. 

Especially when starting or restructuring a business we hire a lot of third-party providers so consideration must be taken carefully into their suitability for your company now and in the future, including suppliers such as acountants, website developers, solicitors etc. 

Printable checklist (PDF) available for subscribers. 

Installation team sacked a revaluation of hire procedure, checklist on wall, sales training completed, not such a bad visit after all. 

Whilst travelling  to my afternoon appointment and taking a quick lunch break, topping up on my coffee intake, my thoughts turned to my next Ropho posts some on lifestyle some on business, my next business post was going to be about goal setting and action plans (very exciting), however the idea behind Ropho is to make things as real as I can, and as we all know life never acts out in our pre-determined plan. 

At the beginning of the week, I only had one appointment booked for Wednesday morning but a telephone call from my next client changed that as he wanted to talk about his new product launch in April and as the two business are on the same train route I said “no problem I can do it tomorrow rather than wait until next week.)” 

My second client is a perfect lead to the post you will now see this week The Most Valuable Investment You Can Make in Business (And It Isn’t What You Think) 

This client is a pleasure to work with; the owner is unusual for me as all my clients come from referrals. 

He didn’t we met while walking our dogs, our conversations turned to work (what do you do etc.). 

So, it turns out he runs a small food manufacturing company, his business was growing rapidly, and he was concerned that he was out growing his current accountant, although a very nice guy he tended to work mainly with very small businesses and sole traders. 

He also wanted to purchase some new machinery; my advice this time was quite simple write a compelling up to date business plan. 

Once he had done that, I introduced him to an accountant used to dealing with quickly expanding businesses and financial experts who could help him with financing his project. 

Apart from this advice which he didn’t really need, as he would have found the right people anyway, he actually is an inspiration and follows the advice I was given years ago without realising it. Believe in yourself (he has unbelievable self-confidence) learn, he is not afraid to take calculated risks and backs himself, if things go wrong he reacts quickly to rectify any mistakes, doesn’t dwell on failures, he has developed the skills to follow his dream and surrounded himself with staff that have the skills he needs to succeed. 

This meeting was a pleasure, a review of his evolving yearly business plan, including review of year so far, what he expects in final quarter of year, and plans for next year including the launch of an exciting new product, the need for a new packaging machine to cope with expected increase in volume, sales and marketing strategy for the new product. 

In the end a very good day despite the English weather. 

ROPHO – Pleasure & Business in Your Sixties 

One of the most important lessons I ever learnt came from a very successful American businessman many years ago. His advice was simple, direct, and it has stayed with me ever since. 

Build value in your products and services, certainly, but more importantly, build value in yourself, and then in the people closest to your business. 

At first, it sounded like another business cliché. 
But as time passed, I realised what he really meant. 

Yes, products matter. Yes, service matters. 
But the business can only ever grow to the level of the people running it. 

Build value into you first 

Recognise your strengths. Develop them. Lean into them. 

In your sixties (or at any age), you already have decades of experience behind you, that is value. Decision making ability, judgement, intuition, work ethic, problem-solving, these are competitive advantages younger entrepreneurs often pay to learn. 

But that experience is wasted if you don’t intentionally build on it. 

Spend time improving the skills that matter most to your role: 

• Leadership 

• Communication 

• Decision-making 

• Negotiation 

• Strategy 

• Money management 

When you grow, your business grows. 

Then build value into your people 

This is where the magic happens. 

The American businessman explained it perfectly: 

Recognise your best skills – and then hire, empower or train others to fill the gaps. 

You cannot, and should not, try to do everything. 
A business becomes strong when the right people are in the right seats. 

When people feel valued, trusted and supported, they don’t just work for the business, they work with it. 

• A skilled production manager increases efficiency 

• A strong financial controller protects profit 

• A confident sales lead drives revenue 

• A good administrator frees your time 

• A third-party expert can save months of mistakes 

A business is a team sport, even if the team is small. 

My most satisfying business result wasn’t what most would expect… 

People assume the biggest reward in consultancy is turning around a failing business. 

Others think it’s helping launch a successful start-up. 

Both are satisfying. 

But the most satisfying work I ever did was something different. 

Helping a reasonably successful company grow from under £1M turnover to £3M+ profitably, sustainably and without losing its soul. 

Not because of a magic trick. 
Not because of a new product. 
Not because of a lucky contract. 

But because we developed people, clarified roles, strengthened leadership, introduced accountability and gave the right individuals space to excel. 

The growth came after the development. 
Not before. 

A thought for you, especially if you’re building later in life 

You don’t need to reinvent yourself to be successful. 
You need to amplify what you already know, and surround yourself with the right support. 

Skills improve. Systems evolve. People grow. 

But only if leadership chooses to grow first. 

Quick reflection questions: 

1. What skill could you strengthen this month that would improve your business most? 

2. Who in your network could you empower, train or delegate to? 

3. Where is the business overly dependent on you? 

4. Who could take something off your plate so you can lead instead of chase tasks? 

Write your answers. They matter. 

And one reminder, from me to you: 

Don’t just build the business. 
Build the people who build the business. 

That’s where real growth lives. 

.

Following on from my earlier posts discussing work and lifestyle balance and planning those new adventures and memories, January/February are always very exciting as this is when we generally book our trips away. 

Travel and holidays are really important to me, travel broadens your horizons, creates special memories, whether you are holidaying with that special person, family or friends, the fun you have cements bonds the way not many other activities do. 

You don’t always need long-haul flights and airport marathons to enjoy an amazing holiday. 

Some of the most beautiful places in the world are less than four hours from the UK, perfect for long weekends, short breaks, or extended escapes. 

Whether you’re craving culture, sunshine, wine, coastline or just a change of scenery, Europe delivers it all without jet lag. 

Here are 10 fantastic destinations you can reach quickly, ideal for relaxed travel in your 50s, 60s and beyond.

1. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 

Elegant, cultured, walkable. 

Coffee houses, palaces, classical music, Christmas markets, pure charm. Vienna holds a special place in my heart, as this was our very first overseas trip together 24 years ago celebrating my wife’s 40^th birthday. Like everywhere places change, but for me Vienna takes Number 1 spot as one of the nicest cities, I’ve been lucky enough to visit. 

Perfect for: romantic weekends, culture lovers. 

2. Greek Islands 🇬🇷 (3–4 hrs depending on island) 

Santorini for sunsets, Crete for beaches & food, Rhodes for history, Corfu for greenery. 

Warm seas, wine, slow evenings by the harbour. 

Perfect for: sunshine, relaxation, lazy dinners. 

3. Italy 🇮🇹 (3 hrs average) 

Rome for history, Florence for art, Venice for romance, Sicily for food & coast, Lake Garda for scenery. 

Italy fits every mood — and the food alone is reason to go. 

Perfect for: culture, pasta, wine, passion. 

4. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸 

Beaches + city. Tapas culture. Gaudí’s architecture. 

A stroll down Las Ramblas then seafood by the marina, perfect blend. 

Perfect for: short breaks & warm weather. 

5. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 

Views, pastel streets, trams, fado music. 

Fresh fish, custard tarts (dangerously addictive). 

Perfect for: gentle city exploration + sunshine. 

6. Paris, France 🇫🇷 

Closer than many UK cities — 2.5hrs via Eurostar. 

Museums, riverside walks, wine, bakeries. 

Perfect for: romance, food, city strolling. 

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷 

Terracotta rooftops, clear sea, old-town charm. 

Walk the city walls, sit by the water with a cold drink. 

Perfect for: scenery lovers & relaxed explorers. 

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱 

Cycle-friendly, canals, art galleries, tulips in spring. 

A relaxed, youthful city — great for wandering. 

Perfect for: casual weekends & short breaks. 

9. Malta 🇲🇹 

Warm climate most of the year. 

Historic streets, boat trips, blue lagoons. 

Perfect for: winter sun getaways. 

10. Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹 

Technically Portugal but completely unique, Madeira was my mother’s favourite destination and had to be on my list. 

Mountains, incredible scenery, Levada walks, flowers. 

Perfect for: nature, hiking, relaxation. 

Tips for smooth under, 4 hour travel 

🧳 Pack light, hand luggage is freedom 

🚕 Choose accommodation within 20–30 mins of airport 

🍽 Book one special meal per trip, a memory anchor 

🛏 Stay central to minimise travel time 

🧭 Don’t overschedule, wandering is part of the adventure 

📸 Photos matter, but moments matter more 

Short trips recharge the soul without draining energy. 

Why this type of travel suits later life 

As we get older, comfort matters. 

Short flights mean: 

• Less fatigue 

• Less airport stress 

• Easier planning 

• More time enjoying, less time travelling 

Sometimes a 3-hour flight feels like a magic portal, leave grey drizzle, arrive to blue skies and cold wine. 

As always, I would like to hear from you, where are your favourite destinations, what types of holidays you are enjoying in your sixties and beyond. 

Tell me what makes you excited about holidays, is it relaxing with a good book on a beach or something more adventurous, I would love to share your special memories, I could then create another list. I do like a list! 

ROPHO – Life, Balance & Doing Our Best with What We’ve Got 

I’ll start with a confession, I love the idea of a weekly plan, I like writing one, I like how organised it makes me feel. 

I am also very good at not sticking to it. 

If you’ve ever created a beautifully structured week, only to abandon it by Tuesday lunchtime, you’re in good company. 

Why weekly plans so often fail (especially later in life) 

Weekly plans usually fail for one simple reason: 

They assume life will behave itself. 

At this stage of life, it rarely does. 

Energy changes, appointments appear, family needs time, health has a say, motivation comes and goes. 

So instead of scrapping planning altogether, I’m trying something different for 2026. 

Not a rigid plan. 
A framework. 

From “perfect week” to “good enough week” 

My old weekly plans looked something like this: 

• Work blocks perfectly aligned 

• Exercise every other day 

• Time set aside for creativity 

• Social time clearly defined 

• Rest scheduled (but usually ignored) 

On paper, it was ideal. 

In reality, it was exhausting, and quietly disappointing when I didn’t follow it. 

So, I’m rebuilding my weekly plan with one guiding principle: 

Support life don’t fight it. 

The new approach: gentle structure, flexible reality 

Here’s what I’m working towards for 2026 — not as rules, but as intentions. 

📅 A Simple Weekly Template 

Not hour-by-hour. 
Just broad blocks. 

Morning / Afternoon / Evening 
That’s often enough. 

The goal isn’t precision, it’s awareness. 

❤️ Relationship & Family Time 

If it’s not lightly protected, it gets squeezed out. 

That doesn’t mean formal “appointments”, but: 

• shared meals 

• walks 

• conversations without distraction 

• being present, not just nearby 

🏃 Movement & Health 

Not “training plans”. 
Not targets. 

Just regular movement: 

• walking 

• light resistance 

• stretching 

• fresh air 

Enough to keep energy, strength, and confidence ticking along. 

You can adapt these depending on your fitness levels and time availability etc. 

🎨 Hobbies & Creativity 

This is the one that often disappears first. 

Writing. 
Reading. 
Learning. 
Thinking. 

And yet, this is often what gives the most satisfaction. 

Even short, regular sessions count. 

💼 ROPHO / Business Time 

Treating this seriously, but not obsessively. 

Creative energy is strongest some days, weaker others. 
The plan needs to allow for both. 

Progress over pressure. 

😌 Rest, Reflection & Reset 

This is not “doing nothing”. 
It’s recovery. 

Time without input, time without productivity, time to notice how things actually feel. 

This is where balance quietly returns. 

What I’ve stopped doing 

I’ve stopped trying to plan every day perfectly. 

Instead, I’m asking one simple question each week: 

Does this week include a bit of exercise, connection, purpose, enjoyment and rest? 

If the answer is mostly yes, that’s a good week. 

A gentle reminder (for you and me) 

You don’t need: 

• a colour-coded planner 

• a life overhaul 

• a new version of yourself 

You need: 

• kindness 

• consistency 

• flexibility 

And permission to adjust as you go. 

If you’d like to try this too… 

You don’t have to copy my approach. 

But you might like to consider: 

• one anchor for health 

• one anchor for relationships 

• one anchor for enjoyment 

• one anchor for purpose 

That’s enough. 

Before the next post… 

Here are three gentle questions you might want to reflect on this week: 

🖊 What part of your week do you most look forward to, and why? 
🖊 What drains you more than it should? 
🖊 What would a “good enough” week actually look like for you? 

Not perfect. 
Just supportive. 

Coming next: 

“One Intention Per Week, Why This Works Better Than Big Goals” 

We’ll look at: 

• why small intentions stick 

• how to avoid self-criticism 

• and how consistency quietly builds confidence 

You’re not alone in balancing work, life, love, health, purpose and time. 

Most of us in our sixties are still figuring it out. 

And that’s not failure, that’s life. 

We figure it out together. 

Below a snippet of the template I’ve created if you would like to give it a try subscribe and I will send you a PDF copy 

SIMPLE WEEKLY LIFE BALANCE TEMPLATE 

(Google Docs friendly / printable / calm) 

How to use this template (very important) 

This is not a timetable. 
It’s a framework, something to support life, not control it. 

Fill it in lightly. Pencil mentality. 

MY WEEK AT A GLANCE 

Week of: ___________________________ 

One word I’d like this week to feel like: ___________________________ 

❤️ RELATIONSHIPS & CONNECTION 

(family, partner, friends, community) 

•  

•  

🏃 HEALTH & MOVEMENT 

(walks, exercise, appointments, rest) 

•  

🎨 HOBBIES, CREATIVITY & CURIOSITY 

(writing, reading, learning, thinking) 

•  

•  

💼 WORK / PROJECTS / PURPOSE 

(                          , paid work, volunteering, contribution) 

•  

•  

ROPHO — Purpose, Courage & Still Showing Up

“Search for a hero inside yourself.”

Heather Small sang it years ago, and like many good lyrics, it quietly hangs around in your head until one day it suddenly makes sense.

As I approach 64 and prepare to launch this website and blog, I had a conversation today that I’ve had more than once recently.

It went something like this:

Shouldn’t you be slowing down now?”

It wasn’t meant unkindly.
It was said with concern, maybe even affection.
But it stopped me in my tracks.

---

Slowing down… or tuning out?

I tried to explain that what I want to do isn’t about chasing success, money, or proving anything.

I want to build something that gives people 60+:

• a place to think
• a place to talk
• a sounding board
• a sense they’re not alone

A space where problems, personal, lifestyle, business, confidence, health, purpose, can be talked about honestly.
Where ideas can be shared.
Where people can be inspired to believe that dreaming doesn’t have an expiry date.

The response?

A smile.
A pause.
And then…

“You’re mad.

That was the fourth time in two weeks I’ve been told that.

Instead of putting me off, it’s convinced me I might be on to something.

---

When “mad” really means “uncomfortable”

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

When people say “you’re mad”, what they often mean is:

• “That wouldn’t work for me.”
• “I’d be too scared to do that.”
• “I thought life was supposed to get smaller now.”

Society quietly teaches us that later life should be about less:

• less ambition
• less risk
• less curiosity
• less energy
• less contribution

But what if that’s wrong?

What if later life is actually about more, just differently?

More meaning.
More honesty.
More choice.
More freedom to say “this matters to me.”

---

The hero isn’t loud or flashy

The hero Heather Small was singing about isn’t wearing a cape.

It’s not about reinvention for the sake of it.
It’s not about hustle culture or grinding until exhaustion.

The hero inside yourself is quieter than that.

It’s the voice that says:

• “I’m not done yet.”
• “I still care.”
• “I still want to contribute.”
• “I want to use what I’ve learned.”

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do at 60+
is to start something new when the world expects you to stop.

---

Why ROPHO exists

ROPHO isn’t about pretending ageing doesn’t exist.
It’s about engaging with it honestly.

With humour.
With realism.
With kindness.

It’s about pleasure and responsibility.
Dreams and discipline.
Hope and practicality.

And above all, it’s about reminding people — myself included — that:

You don’t age out of purpose.
You age into it.

---

If this resonates with you…

If you’ve been told to slow down when you feel like you’re only just understanding what matters…
If you’ve been quietly thinking “there’s more I want to do”…
If you’ve been labelled mad for still having ideas…

Welcome.

You’re in the right place.

---

Final thought

Maybe the real madness isn’t starting something new at 64.

Maybe it’s believing that curiosity, creativity, and contribution have a sell-by date.

So yes — I’ll keep searching for the hero inside myself.

And if this website helps others find theirs too,
then being “mad” seems like a pretty good place to be.

ROPHO — Lifestyle & Living Well in Your Sixties 

2025 has been a year of ups and downs, as most years tend to be. 

Some weeks felt organised, meaningful, and even productive. 

Others… well… let’s just say “planned” wasn’t the word I’d use. 

For ROPHO, the year ahead excites me. 

I’m looking forward to many hours researching, writing, learning, and hopefully helping others like me, people in later life still trying to get this balance thing right. 

In my business life my earliest mentor and the person I learnt the most from had many wise sayings (his words) this one was one of his favourites, which he repeated consistently. 

Plan, plan, then plan some more. 

But in my personal life? 

Let’s just say I’m more fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants than I’d like to admit. 

I tend to “go with the flow,” do whatever my wife wants (although she may strongly object to that description!). 

I’m either all in on work or disappear from the world, 

or all in on life and let everything else slip. 

Sixty-something years in, I’m better, definitely better, 

but there is massive room for improvement. 

And that’s part of the purpose of ROPHO: 

Not teaching perfection. 

Not preaching. 

But exploring life balances together, openly, honestly, with humour and grace. 

Review of 2025 Personal Life 

The good – a special trip to Marmaris Turkey for my wife’s twin sisters 60^th Birthday, neither are experienced traveller’s, it was in fact one of her sister’s first overseas holiday for 30 years. It was amazing I have not laughed as much for a very long time, whether it was a boat trip or a shopping expedition, it was hilarious. 

Our granddaughter’s 21^st Birthday party (How did that happen?) 

Theatre trip Tina the musical with daughter and granddaughter, much better than expected. 

Family trips, meals, etc. 

This list isn’t exhaustive just list the things you had fun doing big and small memories made. 

Creating a Personal Plan That Fits Later Life 

Business plans I can do in my sleep. 

Personal plans? Never really done one written down, always in my head. 

 So, this year I thought I would give it a go (currently working on changing my business plan guide into an easy to understand ebook. Free to subscribers) 

But being older requires a different style of planning — flexible, compassionate, human. 

Life comes with surprises, health considerations, energy levels that change week to week, family needs, and moments that matter more than schedules. 

So rather than a rigid life calendar, I’m building a Living Personal Plan for 2026. 

A plan built around what really matters: 

Time 

Connection 

Health 

Joy 

Curiosity 

Adventure 

Rest 

Let’s start with what’s already on the horizon. 

Things We Already Have Planned 

Holidays 

Relaxation. Adventure. Warm evenings. New food. Bare feet on warm sand. 

As we get older, time away feels even more precious, it resets the soul. 

We have a big one booked, Thailand, December 2026. 

It was postponed due to our daughter’s cancer diagnosis, but it’s still there waiting for us. 

We chose Thailand because: 

• We have explored a lot of Europe and some Caribbean Islands, we wanted to sample a part of Asia at this time of our life. 

• The mix of beaches, culture, food & scenery is perfect 

• Our kids loved it and recommended it 

• A blend of lazy pool days + exploring temples & markets sounds ideal 

We’ll also look at a European break mid-year (April–June) 

Plus, some weekend breaks, just enough to keep the joy flowing. 

Having something to look forward to matters, psychologically much more than we admit. 

Most importantly, future memories in the making. 

Special Occasions 

• Wedding anniversaries 

• Significant birthdays 

• Family gatherings 

• And for many of us, grandchild milestones, we are blessed, we have six with another due in May. 

These are anchors in the year, events that remind us why life balance is worth improving. 

Health Appointments 

We can’t ignore this part of ageing. 

I have an annual pacemaker pacing clinic appointment, non-negotiable. 

Yours may be check-ups, screenings, routine tests, physio, yearly MOT’s for the body. 

Let’s acknowledge them, not dread them. 

Health isn’t a background detail anymore; it’s the secret to longevity as I am regularly reminded by our loving daughters. 

So… Weekly or Monthly Plans? 

Here’s the tricky question I’m sitting with: 

Do I plan monthly for flexibility… 

or weekly for accountability? 

Because, confession time, I have tried a weekly plan. 

And it never goes how I imagine. 

(If you relate, you’re in the right place.) 

In my next post, I’ll break down my weekly plan, honestly, not perfectly, and how I’m adapting it for a healthier, happier 2026. 

A plan that includes: 

• Time with my wife (real time, not “in the same room scrolling” time) 

• Personal projects & hobbies 

• Exercise or movement 

• Social connection 

• Business/ROPHO creativity 

• Rest 

• “No guilt” days 

Because balance isn’t 50/50. 

It’s knowing when to swing one way, and when to swing back. 

Before the next post… 

Here are 3 gentle reflection questions for you: 

🖊 What do you already have booked in 2026 that excites you? 

🖊 Which personal habits slipped this year, and how could you restart them lightly? 

🖊 What one simple change would make your life feel just a little more balanced? 

Not 20 changes. 

Just one. 

Small improvements stick. 

Big overhauls rarely survive February. 

Coming next: 

“My Weekly Plan That Rarely Works — And How I’m Rebuilding It for a Balanced 2026” 

It will include: 

📅 A printable weekly template 

❤️ Relationship & family time blocks 

🏃 Movement/health slots 

🎨 Hobbies & creativity 

💼 ROPHO/business work time 

😌 Rest, reflection, reset 

You’re not alone in balancing work, life, love, health, purpose and time. 

Most of us in our sixties are still figuring it out — and that’s okay. 

We figure it out together.