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<a href="https://www.sambakerbooks.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sam Baker</a> wrote his first book at age 95. Now, at 102, the WWII veteran is an award-winning author. According to Baker, his longevity of life comes from his willpower to keep reinventing himself.



Baker is no stranger to hard work. Over the course of his life, he’s seen, heard and done a great deal. After earning an engineering degree, serving in the Marine Corps, and working for three decades as the world’s first GPS salesman with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Baker decided that in his retirement he wanted to do more than just sit around and play bridge.&nbsp;



At 95, he got his first computer and sat down to write a children’s book. At the urging of his daughter and son, he decided to get the book published and printed—thus making him an author.



After the first book, Baker knew he could do more. He went on to write four more books. One book was inspired by one of Baker’s real-life relationships, a late-in-life friendship formed with a fellow veteran turned veterinarian. Baker used his <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-friends-are-important/">friendship</a> and the legacy of his late friend to develop a series of books in which a mouse overcomes challenges and sees success in his own way.&nbsp;



Here is a snippet of mine and Baker’s conversation:



Maleeka Hollaway: Tell me, who was Sam Baker before he started writing books?&nbsp;



Sam Baker:&nbsp;Well, he was a grandfather. He was a member of the community and he was enjoying life with his lovely wife. And as I've said before, I was pretty level until I read the reading reports that were published by the Arizona Republic of all the schools in Arizona… It was miserable. Some of the students in ninth grade were failing reading. Well, reading is the foundation of this building we call education. If you can't read, how do you progress?&nbsp;



MH: Reading those reports, is that what prompted you to start writing children's books?&nbsp;



SB: Yes. I said to myself, if something's got to be done, can I give my little bit?&nbsp;I had a charming childhood. My mother let me do everything I wanted to do, but she never knew what I did otherwise. I don't know how she would've put up with it. My father was a farmer…And so I created a book, The [Silly] Adventures of Petunia and Herman the Worm.



MH:&nbsp;You've had a pretty decorated life. You have had a few careers. And so what would you say, Sam, out of everything that you've done, [what] do you feel like you are most proud of having completed?&nbsp;



SB:&nbsp;Well, it may surprise you. My greatest pride is that when I was director of the National Genetic Survey…when I left their organization, 45% of my professionals had advanced degrees. I think that's one of my greatest accomplishments because these people now knew and could converse with the experts. I was so proud of the fact that I had that many people taking advanced degrees and increasing their knowledge of the subject matter we were trying to do.&nbsp;



MH:&nbsp;What's been the most rewarding thing about writing the books?&nbsp;



SB:&nbsp;The thank yous that you get from the children and the unexpected ways of saying and giving thanks to you. How do you rate a thank you when it's a hug around the neck from a four-year-old? It just melts your heart.



MH:&nbsp;What is one piece of advice you would give someone who wants to reinvent themselves like you did?&nbsp;



SB:&nbsp;If you start, don't give up. It becomes easier as you go along. [If] they've got all the education they want, great. If not, education is the key to it all. To everything you want to do. <a href="https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/10-reasons-why-is-education-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Education is the key</a>.



MH:&nbsp;And how many more books do you think you'll write?&nbsp;



Sam Baker: One more. It's called Prince. I've got three chapters already read…all of it is up in my head, and I've typed those three chapters.



MH: What's the secret to living a long, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-does-success-really-mean-to-you/">successful life</a>?&nbsp;



SB:&nbsp;I have no idea what is the secret to long life. Colon cancer has taken the lives of so many in my family that I have devoted ample time to its prevention. I think that a happy and successful marriage has played its part, and perhaps giving love, not hate, has added years.



Photo courtesy of Ruby Rideout.

Explore the journey of Sam Baker: how he reinvented himself and went on to write his first book at 95 years old.

Learn how Sam Baker he reinvented himself and wrote his first book at 95.

I Reinvented Myself at 95 Years Old: Here’s How | SUCCESS

Success Is Possible at Any Age, Even 102

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Maleeka Hollaway is the author of over four bestselling books, a keynote speaker, and a serial entrepreneur whose articles have appeared in Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Essence, and many other notable publications. She attended Alabama A&M University and has been a communications professional for over a decade. Learn more about her at www.maleekahollaway.com.

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Explore the journey of Sam Baker and how he reinvented himself and went on to write his first book at 95 years old.

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

Success is a relative term. For those who dare to strike out on their own and challenge the status quo as entrepreneurs and small business owners, the word takes on a whole new meaning, one that is often less about losing money and more about taking the time to take care of oneself. Many seasoned (and some new) entrepreneurs learn over time that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/robert-waldinger-work-life-balance/">balancing life and business</a> is relative and often unattainable—unless they design their lives in a way that makes this balance a reality. 



In 2024, business owner <a href="https://www.runlikeclockwork.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adrienne Dorison</a> learned firsthand the importance of building a business that thrives and makes space for life to happen—no matter if it's good, bad or hideous. A business operations and efficiency expert and consultant for the last 15 years, Adrienne is the co-founder of <a href="https://www.runlikeclockwork.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Run Like Clockwork</a> and developer of the Clockwork System, which helps small businesses operate on their own so CEOs can unplug for a four-week vacation. So when life threw Adrienne and her family a curveball this year, her professional expertise had already prepared her and her business both to roll with every punch.



Here’s a snippet of our conversation.



This interview has been edited for length and clarity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-has-been-a-year-for-the-books-for-you-your-family-and-your-business-would-you-say-that-operational-efficiency-is-key-to-success-in-life-as-well-as-in-business">This has been a year for the books for you, your family and your business. Would you say that operational efficiency is key to success in life as well as in business?</h2>



Adrienne Dorison: For sure. Anytime we’re being inefficient, whether it’s while working on a business task or by taking the longest route to pick up our kids at school, it’s costing us time and money. We make efficient and inefficient choices all day long, and my goal is to make the most efficient ones and to teach my clients how to think the same way about the choices they make, either in business or life.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-seem-to-have-optimized-your-business-to-work-with-and-for-your-life-what-was-the-toughest-part-of-your-journey">You seem to have optimized your business to work with and for your life. What was the toughest part of your journey?</h2>



AD: [The hardest part was] being intentional enough to slow down and delegate things to my team and learning to trust them over time versus being really short-sighted (our default) and saying, “Oh, I’ll just do it myself.” I had to really slow down to speed up.



This year, I lost my dad and my marriage. I had to make peace with myself and this new space in my life so I could fully embrace this new season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-someone-who-is-facing-multiple-life-changes-and-trying-to-build-their-own-version-of-success-at-the-same-time">What advice would you give someone who is facing multiple life changes and trying to build their own version of success at the same time?</h2>



AD: First, I would say take <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/feeling-overwhelmed-how-to-find-time-without-sacrificing-self-care/">time for yourself</a>! You need to heal, and you as a person always come first. Second, learn who in your sphere of support can really be there for you in good and bad times. You don’t want to be on this journey alone, even during easier times—so during tough times, you need people you can lean on. Don’t be afraid to utilize them. 



And lastly, be okay with “maintenance mode.” Every year isn’t a growth year, and as entrepreneurs, sometimes we forget that. This might not be the right time to step on the gas, but focus on maintaining what you’ve already built [and] take care of healing, and you’ll be in a better position to go into growth mode when you are operating at full capacity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowing-what-you-know-now-how-does-one-learn-their-capacity-to-move-through-life-and-business-with-ease">Knowing what you know now, how does one learn their capacity to move through life and business with ease?</h2>



AD: Capacity can change through seasons and intentional growth. There are certain seasons of life where my capacity for everything is just lower because I'm in a low vibrational state—like when my dad passed away, my capacity was low. The ways I know that is through my attitude, my mental fatigue and how I'm feeling physically. If I'm not feeling like myself, I need to check in with that and see if I'm overextending anywhere and how I can pull back.



Sometimes, you must pull back in one area of your life to focus more on another. Not every season will allow you to be at full capacity in the business, so I think it's essential to ensure [that] the business can operate without you so that the team can more fully step in when you're at your capacity.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-clockwork-system-allows-business-leaders-to-step-away-for-extended-periods-without-worry-how-often-have-you-been-able-to-do-the-same">Your Clockwork System allows business leaders to step away for extended periods without worry. How often have you been able to do the same?</h2>



AD: I've officially stepped away for extended periods three different times—my first maternity leave for six fully unplugged weeks, my second maternity leave for 13 fully unplugged weeks and when my dad passed, I took some extended time off as well. But [I] also permitted myself to pop back in if it was what was best for my mental health. Grief is funny like that—sometimes you need space, and other times you need a distraction. So I tried to listen to myself and what I needed, but the most significant gift is knowing that I don't have it back if I'm not feeling like that's the thing for me or the business.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thank-you-so-much-for-pulling-back-the-curtain-on-your-life-adrienne-any-final-words-or-thoughts">Thank you so much for pulling back the curtain on your life, Adrienne. Any final words or thoughts?</h2>



AD: Building a business you can step away from at any moment is essential for every small business owner. You can plan for a four-week vacation, but you can only sometimes plan for the unexpected events that may pop up. As a business owner, please build a business that allows you to live your life, not one that continues to take life away from you.



Photo courtesy of Adrienne Dorison/runlikeclockwork.com

Business consultant Adrienne Dorison discusses building a business that lets you live your life to the fullest. Find out more in our latest.

Business consultant Adrienne Dorison discusses building a business that lets you live your life to the fullest. Find out more in our latest. | SUCCESS

You Can Design Your Life and Business to Thrive, No Matter What—Ask Adrienne Dorison

You Can Design Your Life & Business to Thrive, No Matter What | SUCCESS

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Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

There is an old cliche that says, “Health is the ultimate wealth.” Like me, many have heard this and agreed with it, even if we let it go in one ear and out the other. I thrived off being the “it” person. I enjoyed others looking to me to be “it” and do “it” all—whether “it” was being a parent,&nbsp; serial entrepreneur, traveling speaker, event host or winner of awards showcasing how hard I’d worked and how seemingly good life was.



There was not a day in my life since 2015 where my schedule allowed time for me to just be. I planned it that way. When I started my business, I used my <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rohn-the-4-building-blocks-of-good-communication/">communication skills</a> to help others write and publish their stories, but it was out of necessity. As I found my footing and pivoted to using my skills in marketing and publicity, it was out of desire. I needed to prove to myself and to others that the traditional way of work was not the only path to success.



In the summer of 2019, I experienced a significant life event that left me traumatized and ushered me into a four-and-a-half-year bout with major clinical depression, which led to manic anxiety. I ended up chatting with a mindset coach who listened to me for an hour and recommended I see a therapist.&nbsp;



I didn’t want to, but shortly after that chat, I found myself in front of my laptop screen, pouring out my guts and spilling tears to a therapist. On top of weekly, and sometimes daily therapy sessions (which helped a lot), I was trying to manage my mental health and mask it all, while my business grew by leaps and bounds. For all intents and purposes, the growing business and bank account had me on top of the world during the day. But when night came, every moment was a blur, and every minute that passed seemed unbearable.



Labor Day weekend of 2021, something had to give. I had to choose between keeping the business or saving my life. I chose the latter. I sent a video message to my team and my roster of clients, letting them know I had decided to close due to personal reasons. Most understood. Some responded unfavorably and in ways I’ll never forget. And just like that, the bank accounts I once adored became a reminder that, in some way, I had failed.



Now I look back, and I don’t see failure, nor do I see loss. I see lessons. While on my hiatus, I learned three life lessons every entrepreneur can find helpful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lesson-one-you-need-a-silent-business-partner-a-therapist">Lesson one: You need a silent business partner—a therapist</h2>



“Therapists are the partners who help us dismantle limiting beliefs, unpack unprocessed trauma, and—most importantly—guide us to honor boundaries that protect both our well-being and the sustainability of our businesses,” says <a href="https://ajitarobinson.com/">Dr. Ajita Robinson</a>, board-certified grief and trauma therapist, trainer and author.&nbsp;



While starting therapy seemed to be way out of the norm, it was the catalyst to seeing not only just how bad things had become, but also how much better they could be. Every week, I sat down and shared parts of my story while my therapist challenged me to allow myself to feel and to set boundaries to keep me safe.&nbsp;



I learned that journaling daily, delegating tasks in my home and business that could save me time and replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, introduced major life-changing habits. Within a few months, I could think more clearly and make decisions from a place of clarity, not confusion. Sometimes a trusted voice outside your circle of friends and family can make all the difference.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lesson-two-immerse-yourself-in-new-physical-environments">Lesson two: Immerse yourself in new physical environments</h2>



While I’m a fan of hopping on a plane and leaving the country, during these two years I took smaller <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/domestic-travel-advisory-enjoy-a-staycation/">staycations</a> all over my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. More often than not, getting out of my condo and taking a break to see new surroundings offered a place of sanctuary, and I could feel my creativity coming back. New environments can spark new ideas and enthusiasm. My nervous system felt at ease in new spaces, allowing me to continue my self-work and work within my business without feeling pressured.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lesson-three-build-a-thriving-relationship-with-total-rest">Lesson three: Build a thriving relationship with total rest</h2>



“Rest is not a luxury; it’s a business strategy. When entrepreneurs don’t take the time to pause and reflect, their creativity and decision-making abilities suffer,” says Robinson.



Rest is a word that scares high-performing, high-achieving, success-driven individuals like me, especially in the building phase. While rest once translated to being unproductive and wasting time, rest for me now is a gateway to wellness. Therapy and new environments have helped me tap into knowing what kind of rest I need, be it physical, social, spiritual, mental or emotional.&nbsp;



Complaining about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-things-to-do-when-youre-feeling-burned-out/">burno</a><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/burnout">ut</a> but not working to fix it had become my vice. Daily naps, meditation, journaling and unplugging from technology became my virtue. 



Making the decision to step away from the hustle and grind of entrepreneurship thrust me into a journey that I didn’t think was possible. I learned more about myself and others by taking time away to sit outside and look on. While I’ve had to adjust my cost of living dramatically (no more next-day flights to Mexico or splurges in luxury brand stores), after two years of being in limbo, I’ve embarked on a new journey as a full-time business professor at a noted university for creatives.&nbsp;



I have a newfound respect for those who decide to chart their territory by building from the ground up, and I also have a newfound reverence for those who choose to help another person build their dream. I never thought I’d go back to full-time employment so soon, but I’m grateful that my business chops helped me grow into a well-rounded professional with transferable skills.



No matter what, I’m thankful for every lesson I’ve learned over this past decade and especially in the two years that I took away from entrepreneurship. Right now, I’m not building a full-fledged company again, but I am back to consulting and working on small projects that interest me. And if I’m honest, I feel more successful now, living and learning, than I ever did running my company. Doing less is doing more. That’s good news.&nbsp;



Photo courtesy fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Discover the 3 most important lessons one entrepreneur learned after taking a two-year break from her business.

There is an old cliche that says, “Health is the ultimate wealth.” Like me, many have heard this and agreed with it, even if we let it go in one ear and | SUCCESS

3 Lessons Learned During My 2-Year Hiatus From Entrepreneurship

3 Lessons from My 2-Year Entrepreneurship Hiatus | SUCCESS

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Maleeka Hollaway

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Success Is Possible at Any Age, Even 102

You Can Design Your Life and Business to Thrive, No Matter What—Ask Adrienne Dorison

3 Lessons Learned During My 2-Year Hiatus From Entrepreneurship